BERKEISY 

LIBRARY 

UN1VER 
CALIFORNIA 


-8IOLOGI 


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OF    THE 


Ofyio  /}<£rieul(:ural 


TECHNICAL  SERIES.— VOLUME  I,    NUMBER  4. 
Wooster,  Ohio,  July,  1896. 


ARTICLE  XXIV: 


PRELIMINARY 


OF    THE 


Birds  of  Wayne  County,  Ohio. 


BY 


HARRY   C.  (OBERHOLSER- 


The  Bulletin  of  this  Station  is  sent  free  to  all  residents  of  the  State  who  request  it.  Persons 
who  receive  duplicate  copies  oj  the  Bulletin,  or  who  do  not  care  to  receive  any,  are  requested  to 
notify  the  Station,  as  the  edition  is  not  sufficient  to  supply  the  urgent  demand  for  it. 

All  correspondence  should  be  addressed  to  EXPERIMENT  STATION,  Wooster,  Ohio. 


COLUMBUS: 

THE    WESTBOTE   COMPANY,   STATE   PBIN 
1896 


DLPAKTMENT 

APR  2G  ^6 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE 
OHIO  AGRICULTURAL  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


BOAKD  OF  CONTKOL. 

BETH  H.  ELLIS Springboro 

E.  H.  WARDER ......North  Bead 

J.  T.  KOBINSON Rockaway 

THE  GOVERNOR  OF  THE  STATE 

JSx-officio 


THE  DIRECTOR  OP  THE  STATION 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  BOARD. 

SETH  H.  ELLIS President 

R.  H.  WARDER Secretary 

PERCY  A.  HINMAN Treasurer 

STATION  STAFF. 

CHARLES  E.  THORNE Wooster  Director 

WILLIAM  J.  GREEN "         Horticulturist  and  Vice-Director 

J.  FREMONT  HICKMAN,  M.  A.  S "         .Agriculturist 

FRANCIS  M.  WEBSTER,  M.  Sc "         Entomologist 

AUGUSTINE  D.  SELBY,  B.  Sc " Botanist  and  Chemist 

PERCY  A.  HINMAN. "         Bursar 

LLOYD  M.  BLOOMFIELD,  B.  AGR "         Assistant  Chemist 

CHARLES  W.  MALLY,  M.  Sc " Assistant  Entomologist 

WILLIAM  HOLMES "  .Foreman  of  Farm 

CHARLES  A.  PATTON "         ...Ass't  Foreman  and  Meteorologist 

W.  A.  PORTER "         Florist 

WILLIS  G.  HARRY , "         Dairyman 

ANNIE  B.  AYRES '«         Mailing  Clerk 

S.  J.  BLAKE " Mechanic 

J.  E.  BARCLAY NeapDl's  Supt.  Northwestern  Sub-Station 

EDWARD  MOHN Strongsville Supt.  Northeastern  Sub-Station 


The  Bulletins  of  this  Station  are  issued  at  irregular  intervals.     They  are  paged  consecu- 
tively, and  an  index  is  included  with  the  final  number  of  each  volume. 

i  Catalogue  for  BfoJ, 


BIOLOGY 
LIBRARY 


J\Iotice. 


BY  THE  DIRECTOR. 

The  Technical  Series  of  the  bulletins  of  this  Station  was  begun  as  a 
channel  for  the  publication  and  presirvation  of  papers,  the  incidental 
product  of  the  investigations  of  the  Station,  but  which,  by  reason  of 
their  technical  character,  are  of  interest  chiefly  to  those  engaged  in  scien- 
tific research. 

While  the  papers  thus  far  published  in  this  series  are  all  mo*e  or  less 
fragmentary  and  many  relate  to  other  lines  of  work,  the  leading  object 
in  view  has  been  the  collection  of  material  which  may  some  day  be 
worked  into  a  systematic  biological  survey  of  the  State,  this  to  serve  as 
the  basis  of  a  more  accurate  knowledge  than  is  now  possessed  for  the 
prosecution  of  the  more  distinctively  economic  work. 

The  previous  issues  in  this  series  have  been  as  follows  : 

TECHNICAL  SERIES,   VOL.   I,   NO.   1,   OCTOBER,   1889. 

Article  I.— Preparatory  stages  of  the  20-spotted  Ladybird.     (Illustrated.) 

0.  M.  Weed. 

Article  IL— Studies  in  pond  life.    (Illustrated) G.  M .  Weed. 

Article  III. — A  partial  bibliography  of  insects  affecting  clover C.  M.  Weed. 

TECHNICAL  SERIES,   VOL.   I,  NO.   2,   MAY,  1890. 

Article  IV. — Flowering  plants  on' the  grounds  of  the  Ohio  State  University. 

Moses  Craig. 

Article  V. — Fourth  contribution  to  the  life  history  of  little  known  plant  lice. 

C.  M.  Weed. 

Article.VI. — Descriptive  catalogue  of  the  shells  of  Franklin  county,  Ohio.  (Illus- 
trated)    H.  A.  Surface. 

TECHNICAL  SERIES,   VOL.   I,   NO.   3,   APRIL,    1893. 

Article  VII.— Methods  of  oviposition  in  the  Tipulidse.    (Illustrated) F.  M.  Webs'er. 

Article^III. — A  Dipterous  gall-maker  and  its  associates.    (Illustrated)..  F.  M .  Webster. 

Article  IX. — Description  of  a  new  species  of  gall-making  Diptera.     (Illustrated.) 

John  Marten 

Article  X. — Description  of  a  species  of  Chlorops  reared  from  galls  on  Muhlenbergia 
mexicana S.  W.  Williston. 

Article  XI. — Notes  on  some  species  of  Ohio  Hymenoptera  and  Diptera  heretofore  un de- 
scribed. (Illustrated) F.  M.  Webster 


ii  INDEX. 

Article  XII. — Descriptions  of  new  parasitic  Hjmenoptera  bred  by  F.  M.  Webster.     (Il- 
lustrated)     Wm.  H.  AshmeatL 

Article  XIII. — A  Tachinid  reared  from  cells  of  a  mud-dauber  wasp 

C.  H.  Tyler  Townsend. 

Article  XIV. — Additions  to  the  preliminary  list  of  the  Uredinese  of  Ohio 

Freda  Detmers. 

Article  XV.— Bibliography  of  Ohio  botany W.  A.  Kellerman. 

Article  XVI. — Experiments  in  the  germination  of  treated  seed W.  A.  Kellerman. 

Article  XVII. — Analytical  synopsis  of  the  groups  of  fungi 

W.  A.  Kellerman  and  Aug.  D.  Selby. 

Article  XVIII.— The  Ohio  Erysiphea*.    (Illustrated) Aug.  D.  <&%. 

Article  XIX. — Corrections  and  additions  to  Moses  Craig's  catalogue  of  the  uncultivated 
flowering  plants  growing  on  the  grounds  of  the  Ohio  State  University 
W.  A.  Kellerman  and  Wm.  C.  Werner. 

Article  XX. — Distribution  of  and  stations  for  a  few  rare  and  interesting  Ohio  plants. 

Wm.  G.  Werner. 

Article  XXI.— New  plants  for  the  flora  of  Ohio Wm.  C.  Werner. 

Article  XXII.— Notes  on  rare  Ohio  plants Aug.  D.  Selby. 

Article  XXIII.— New  or  rare  plants  of  Ohio W.  A.  Kellerman. 

These  bulletins  are  paged  consecutively,  and  a  complete  index  will 
be  published  in  the  final  number  of  the  volume.  The  bulletins  of  this 
series  are  sent  only  to  other  stations,  to  public  libraries,  scientific  societies, 
and  to  such  individuals  as  expressly  request  them. 

A  limited  number  of  these  bulletins  can  be  furnished  to  applicants. 


OF     THE 


OHIO  AQRIGULTURAL  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


VOL.  I,  No.  4.  TECHNICAL  SERIES.  JULY,  1896. 


Article  XXIY. — A  Preliminary    List  of  the 
Birds    of  Wayrve   Govmty,   OKio. 


BY  HARRY  C.  OBERHOLSER. 


INTRODUCTION. 

JUHE  present  catalogue  is  the  outgrowth  of  a  request  made  some  time 
1  since  by  Prof.  F.  M.  Webster,  Entomologist  of  the  Ohio  Agricultural 
Experiment  Station,  who  desired  the  writer  to  prepare  a  report  on  the 
avifauna  of  Wayne  County,  the  new  location  of  the  Station.  Although 
this  task  was  undertaken  with  no  little  hesitation,  it  has  been  the  aim  of 
the  author  to  offer  a  list  as  complete  as  possible,  with  such  annotations  as 
seem  to  be  of  interest  in  this  connection. 

That  the  number  of  species  is  far  from  exhaustive  is  of  course  un- 
necessary to  state.  No  one  more  than  the  writer  regrets  this  evident  in- 
completeness, which  is  principally  due  to  the  comparatively  short  period 
covered  by  the  writer's  observations,  and  to  the  fact  that  the  only  oppor- 
tunities for  such  investigations  were  the  leisure  hours  of  an  active  busi- 
ness life.  That  the  present  paper  may  serve  as  a  basis  for  future  observa- 
tions is  the  chief  excuse  for  its  existence.  With  this  purpose  in  view 
much  care  has  been  exercised  to  avoid  the  inclusion  of  any  but  perfectly 


244  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

reliable  records.  All  but  four  species1  have  been  personally  identified  by 
the  writer,  either  in  the  field  or  from  specimens  in  local  collections ;  and 
these  four  exceptions  have  been  admitted  only  upon  what  has  been  con- 
sidered satisfactory  evidence  of  their  occurrence.  Species  of  doubtful  or 
of  probable  occurrence,  while  excluded  from  the  list  proper,  have  been 
separately  enumerated  as  a  guide  to  future  observations. 

The  notes  from  which  this  paper  has  mainly  been  compiled  were 
taken  by  the  writer  between  February  8,  1890,  and  April  9,  1894;  during 
which  time  almost  all  of  the  County,  excepting  the  extreme  northeastern 
and  southwestern  portions,  was  visited.  The  data  here  utilized  were, 
however,  obtained  chiefly  in  the  iricinity  of  Wooster,  within  a  radius  of 
about  six  miles  of  the  city.  This  information  has  been  supplemented  by 
the  examination  of  a  number  of  collections  of  mounted  birds  from  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  County;  evidence  of  the  occurrence  of  a  number  of  species 
not  otherwise  noted  having  been  thus  secured.  Statements  in  regard  to 
the  abundance  of  species  have  in  most  cases  been  carefully  estimated 
from  comparisons  of  the  actual  number  of  individuals  recorded,  and  may 
therefore  be  regarded  as  approximately  correct.  The  annotations  are 
drawn  almost  entirely  from  notes  relating  to  Wayne  County,  and  unless 
it  is  otherwise  specifically  stated,  are  intended  to  reflect  the  status  of  the 
species  in  question  merely  with  respect  to  the  region  under  consideration. 

The  nomenclature,  and  the  classification,  which  at  the  suggestion  of 
Prof.  Webster  has  been  given  entire,  are  of  course  those  of  the  Check  List 
of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union,  including  the  recent  emendations. 
The  illustrations,  which  are  also  the  result  of  a  suggestion  by  Prof. 
Webster,  have  been  here  reproduced  through  the  courtesy  of  Messrs.  Estes 
and  Lauriat,  of  Boston,  Mass.  The  writer  desires  furthermore  to  express 
to  Prof.  F.  M.  ^Vebster  his  sincere  appreciation  of  much  indispensable 
assistance  in  the  preparation  of  this  report.  Thanks  are  also  due  to  Mr. 
Joseph  Housekeeper,  of  Wooster,  for  information  in  regard  to  some  of  the 
water  birds;  to  Mr.  Ellsworth  Freeman,  of  Orrville,  as  well  as  to  the  other 
gentlemen  who  have  kindly  permitted  the  writer  to  examine  birds  in 
their  possession,  and  whose  names  appear  in  the  following  pages. 

Wayne  County  is  situated  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  Ohio,  about 
thirty-five  miles  from  Lake  Erie  and  about  fifty-five  miles  west  of  the  State 
line  of  Pennsylvania.  The  forty-first  parallel  of  north  latitude  forms  its 
northern  boundary.  It  is  in  shape  nearly  square,  being  twenty- five  miles 
from  east  to  west,  and  about  twenty-three  miles  in  north  and  south 
extent,  with  an  area  of  535  square  miles.  The  towns  mentioned  in  the 
ensuing  pages  are  situated  as  follows :  Wooster  lies  about  three  or  four 

1  These  are :  Meleagris  gallopavo,  Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis,  Ceophlceus  pileatus  and 
Acanthis  Unarm. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  245 

miles  southwest  of  the  geographical  center  of  the  County,  and  nearly  a 
mile  from  the  present  course  of  Killbuck  Creek;  Orrville  is  about  eleven 
miles  northeast  of  Wooster,  and  six  miles  from  the  eastern  boundary ; 
West  Salem  is  located  in  the  extreme  northwest  corner  of  the  County, 
while  Shreve  lies  close  to  the  southern  line,  and  five  or  six  miles  from  its 
western  limit. 

The  County  itself  lies  upon  the  southern  slope  of  the  watershed 
which  separates  the  streams  flowing  into  Lake  Erie  from  those  tributary 
to  the  Ohio  River ;  its  northern  boundary  being  close  to  the  top  of  the 
dividing  ridge,  the  summit  level  of  which  is  found  in  the  vicinity  of 
Akron,  in  Summit  County.  The  altitude  of  the  highest  point  of  land 
within  Wayne  County  is  1,042  feet,  this  being  in  the  extreme  north- 
eastern township.  In  some  of  the  surrounding  counties  the  highest  ele- 
vations range  from  300  to  400  feet  higher ;  while  the  maximum  in  the 
State  is  attained  in  Logan  County,  where  the  altitude  is  1,540  feet  above 
sea  level. 

The  geological  formation  of  Wayne  County  is,  with  some  minor 
modifications,  essentially  that  of  northeastern  Ohio.  Consequently  there 
are  absent  all  the  series  between  the  coal  measures  of  the  Carboniferous 
and  the  superincumbent  Quaternary  deposits;  the  Mesozoic  and  Tertiary 
being  unrepresented.  By  reason  of  its  position  on  the  eastern  slope  of 
the  axis  of  the  anticlinal,  Wayne  County  marks  one  of  the  western  limits 
of  the  Ohio  coal  deposits.  The  coal  measures  are  confined  principally  to 
the  eastern  half  of  the  County,  and  where  present  rest  either  directly 
upon  the  sub  carboniferous  Waverly  group,  or  upon  the  superincumbent 
sand  conglomerate  formation.  Coal  in  paying  quantities  and  of  good 
quality  is  extensively  mined  in  several  of  the  eastern  townships. 

The  Quaternary  deposits  consist  largely  of  drift,  and  their  clays, 
sands,  gravels  and  boulders,  overlying  the  rock  strata  to  a  depth  of  ten 
to  eighty  feet,  constitute  the  major  portion  of  the  surface  of  the  County. 
The  rocks  of  the  .Carboniferous  formation,  both  those  of  the  Waverly 
group  and  those  of  the  coal  measures,  consisting  of  sandstones,  shales  and 
limestones,  are,  however,  exposed  in  numerous  places  throughout  the 
County,  and  in  suitable  locations  are  to  some  extent  quarried.  Glacial 
action  is  evident  over  almost  the  entire  area;  and  there  are  a  number  of 
buried  stream  channels,  as  well  as  the  remains  of  the  beds  of  several 
ancient  lakes,  more  particular  mention  of  which  will  be  made  in  another 
connection. 

The  surface  of  the  country  is  generally  rolling,  interspersed  in  some 
portions  with  elevations  of  considerable  height,  occassional  deep  valleys, 
and  expanses  of  level  lowland  prairie. 


246  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

The  streams  are  numerous,  though  not  of  large  size.  The  most 
important  is  the  Killbuck,  which  rises  in  the  northern  part  of  the  County, 
flows  in  a  southerly  direction  entirely  across  the  western  portion,  passing 
within  a  mile  of  Wooster,  and  in  the  continuance  of  its  course  beyond 
the  limits  of  the  County,  finally  discharges  its  waters  into  the  Muskingum. 
The  next  in  size  is  the  Chippewa,  which,  however,  flows  through  only  the 
two  northeastern  township?,  becoming  in  its  extralimital  course  tributary 
to  the  Tuscarawas  River.  Newman's  Creek,  another  tributary  of  the 
Tuscarawas,  rises  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  County,  and  flows  out  in 
a  northeasterly  direction,  draining  the  region  known  as  Newman's  Swamp. 
In  the  extrence  western  portion  the  Muddy  Fork  of  the  Mohican  makes  a 
wide  circuit  into  the  two  central  townships ;  while  the  southeastern  por- 
tion of  the  County  is  drained  by  Sugar  Creek  and  Salt  Creek.  Apple 
Creek  is  the  main  tributary  of  the  Killbuck,  and  joins  the  latter  near 
Wooster,  its  own  branches  flowing  from  the  east  and  northeast.  All  these 
streams  are  fed  by  numerous  smaller  ones,  some  of  which  are,  however, 
almost  entirely  dry  during  protracted  absence  of  rain.  The  majority  of 
the  main  streams  are  crooked  creeks,  with  generally  very  sluggish  cur- 
rents and  very  low  banks.  The  elevations  and  hills,  which  in  many 
places  slope  back  from  the  larger  streams,  apparently  indicate  by  their 
evidences  of  erosion  that  the  flowing  water  has  cut  down  through  them 
to  the  channels  now  occupied. 

The  few  lakes  are  situated  in  the  northeastern  and  southwestern 
parts  of  the  County,  the  largest  being  Fox  Lake,  which  lies  only  a  short 
distance  from  the  line  of  Stark  County.  Its  water  is  clear  and  very  deep, 
and  it  appears  to  be  a  favorite  resort  for  both  water  birds  and  shore  birds. 
All  the  other  lakes  are  much  smaller.  Near  the  southwestern  corner  of 
the  County,  but  just  outside  its  boundaries,  is  situated  a  group  of  four  or 
five  lakes,  two  of  which,  Long  Lake  and  Odell's  Lake,  are  of  considerable 
size.  The  northern  extremity  of  the  latter  is  said  to  be  within  the  County. 
The  character  of  these  lakes  is  much  the  same  as  of  those  previously  men- 
tioned, the  shores  being  partially  or  wholly  marshy  and  covered  in  places 
with  a  thick  growth  of  cat-tail  flags  (Typha  latifoka)  or  yellow  water  lilies 
(Nymphxa  advena);  such  vegetation  forming  trje  favorite  summer  home 
of  the  Least  Bittern  (Ardetta  exilis).  In  suitable  places  in  these  lakes  the 
white  water  lily  (Castalia  odorata)  is  found  in  abundance. 

Bordering  most  of  the  streams  of  Wayne  County  are  level  low  lands, 
which  along  the  larger  water  courses  are  sometimes  several  miles  in  width. 
During  seasons  of  heavy  rainfall  these  bottom  lands  are  overflowed,  and 
when  this  occurs  during  the  fall  or  early  spring,  Ducks  and  other  water 
birds  are  much  more  than  usually  abundant.  Many  portions  of  these 
lands  have  been  drained  and  are  now  under  cultivation.  There  are  here 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  247 

also  many  damp,  grassy  meadows,  some  of  them  of  wide  extent,  which 
are  in  spring  and  fall  the  feeding  grounds  of  numerous  Meadowlarks 
(Sturnella  magna)  and  Killdeers  (.Egialites  xocifera).  Even  at  the  preeent 
time  large  areas  of  forest  still  exist  on  some  of  these  bottom-lands,  though 
of  course  much  has  been  cleared,  and  in  many  places  there  remains  only 
a  fringe  of  trees  along  the  streams.  The  principal  trees  here  are  red  maple 
(Acer  rubruni)  and  elm  (Uiinus  Americana);  together  with  which  occur 
sycamore  (Platanus  occidentalism  black  walnut  (Juglans  nigra),  beech 
(Fagus  atropunicea) ,  white  oak  (Quercus  albcC),  pin  oak  (Quercus  palustris), 
sugar  maple  (Acer  Saccharuni)rsw&mp  hickory  (Hicoria  minima),  slippery 
elm  (Utmus  pubescens),  and  ash  (Froxmus  */>.?).  These  bottom  woods  are, 
during  the  breeding  season,  frequented  by  such  birds  as  the  Red- shouldered 
Hawk  (Butco  lineatus),  Barred  Owl  (Syrinum  ndndosum*)  and  Crow  (Corvus 
americanus}.  In  the  many  dead  tree  trunks  several  species  of  Woodpeck- 
ers find  homes,  and  the  decaying  stumps  serve  a  like  purpose  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Chickadees  (Parus  atricapitlus).  Here  also  in  the  winter 
are  found  in  greatest  abundance  all  of  the  resident  Woodpeckers;  while 
the  Brown  Creeper  (Certhia  familiaris  americana)  and  Winter  Wren 
(Troglodytes  hiemalis)  seem  to  find  in  such  localities  the  most  congenial 
surroundings. 

Throughout  the  lowlands  of  the  Killbuck  Valley  in  the  southern  half 
of  the  County  are  frequent  swamps,  some  of  them  of  considerable  extent. 
They  are  always,  except  in  the  most  extreme  drought,  overspread  with 
water,  and  are  either  covered  with  cat  tail  flags  (Typha  latifolia)  and  tall 
rank  grass,  or  overgrown  with  dense  thickets  and  low  trees;  in  either  case 
well-nigh  inaccessible  under  ordinary  circumstances.  Here,  as  well  as  in 
the  undergrowth  along  the  streams,  flourish  alders,  willows  of  several 
species,  and  other  similar  bushes;  while  the  waste  lands  often  surround- 
ing them  produce  a  luxuriant  harvest  of  beggar-ticks  (Bidtns  frondosa) 
and  Spanish  needles  (Bidens  blpinnata). 

These  isolated  bogs  are  the  remains  of  what  in  the  early  part  of  the 
present  century  was  an  almost  uninterrupted  swamp,  extending  south 
from  Wooster  to  beyond  the  limits  of  the  County,  and  which,  together 
with  all  the  lowlands  in  the  valley,  was  covered  with  water  for  many 
years  after  the  advent  of  man  to  this  region.  This  is  evidently  what  was 
once  the  bed  of  a  pre-glacial  lake,  the  former  existence  of  which  is  attested 
by  the  present  topography  of  the  locality. 

In  this  ancient  lake  were  islands  whose  identity  is  still  preserved, 
their  soil  being  of  a  conspicuously  different  consistency  from  that  of  the 
surrounding  lake  bed,  over  which  has  been  spread  thick  deposits  of  sand, 
and  of  the  vegetable  mould  which  now  constitutes  the  rich  soil  of  these 
bottom-lands.  In  this  respect  these  islands  are  scarcely  different  from  the 


248  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

high  ground  bordering  the  valley,  and  were  originally  well  wooded  with 
trees  similar  to  those  growing  on  the  uplands.  There  are  wide  stretches 
of  this  lake  bed,  now  designated  as  "  prairies  ",  which  were  formerly  open 
water,  but  by  their  emergence  became  covered  with  a  thick  growth  of 
vegetation,  consisting  of  bushes,  flags,  rushes  and  rank  grass.  The  por- 
tions of  these  prairies  that  remain  at  present  uncleared  are  the  favorite 
haunts  of  Rails  and  Snipes. 

Newman's  Swamp,  extending  east  from  Orrville  six  miles  to  the  bor- 
der of  the  County,  is  situated  in  the  bed  of  another  pre-glacial  lake,  and 
was  in  many  respects  the  same  as  the  swamp  in  the  valley  of  the  Killbuck, 
only  if  anything  wilder  and  more  impenetrable.  This  has  now,  however, 
to  a  great  extent  been  cleared  and  put  under  cultivation.  Areas  of  swamp 
and  prairie,  of  an  origin  similar  to  those  described,  exist  in  still  other 
localities,  notably  in  the  northeast  about  Fox  Lake,  and  in  the  extreme 
southwestern  portion  of  the  County. 

In  places  along  the  large  streams  are  drift  dep03its,  forming  often 
extensive  terraces  skirting  the  bluffs  which  border  the  valleys — the  city  of 
Wooster  itself  being  located  upon  ground  of  this  character.  Upon  these 
terraces  existed  forests  of  deciduous  trees,  probably  similar  to  those  now 
growing  upon  the  uplands.  The  uplands  themselves  are  at  length  seen 
to  be  practically  plateaux  overlooking  the  lowlands  in  the  valleys.  Ero- 
sion is  plainly  visible  in  the  numerous  ravines  and  gullies  which  have 
been  cut  out  where  the  brooks  flow  down  to  join  the  main  streams. 

These  ravines  are  usually  wooded,  at  least  in  part,  containing  in 
many  places  the  only  trees  spared  by  the  ruthless  axe.  Here  are  found 
such  trees  and  shrubs  as  the  following  :  buckeye  (sEsculus  glabra),  wild 
cherry  .(Prunusserotinai),  elm  (Ulmus  Americana),  red  maple  (Acerrubruni), 
black  walnut  (Juglans  nigra),  butternut  (Juglans  cinerea),  tulip  tree  (Liri- 
odendron  Tulipifera),  beech  (Fagus  atropunicea),  oaks  (Quercus  alba,  rubra 
et  valu'ina),  sassafras  (Sassafras  Sassafras),  dogwood  (Cornus  florida),  iron- 
wood  (Ostrya  Virginiana),  elder  (Sambucus  Canadtnsis),  black  haw  (Vibur- 
num prunifoliuni) ,  and  at  least  two  species  of  thorn  (Crattfgus).  In  these 
ravines  flourish  the  trilliums  (Trillium  erectum  et  grandiflorum) ,  while  in 
suitable  places  along  the  banks  grow  the  dainty  hepatica  (Hepatica  Bepa- 
tica)  and  the  fragrant  arbutus  (Epigsea  repens),  although  the  latter  is  ex- 
tremely local  in  its  distribution.  These  shady  retreats  furnish  congenial 
summer  homes  for  such  avian  species  as  the  Wood  Thrush  (Turdus  mus- 
telinus),  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  (Habia  ludoviciana),  Scarlet  Tanager  (Pi- 
ranga  erythromelas),  Brown  Thrasher  (Harporhynchus  rufus),  and  Catbird 
(Galeoscoptes  carolinensis). 

The  uplands  are  interspersed  with  frequent  woodland  tracts,  the 
major  portion  of  the  country,  however,  being  under  cultivation.  The 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  249 

numerous  apple  orchards  and  grass  fields  leave  nothing  to  be  desired  by 
those  birds  which  are  accustomed  to  make  such  places  their  summer 
abodes.  The  forest  areas  consist  often  of  heavy  timber,  many  of  the  trees 
being  from  thiee  to  five  feet  in  basal  diameter,  but  from  some  of  the 
woodland  the  larger  trees  have  been  removed,  leaving  only  the  smaller 
growth.  The  underbrush  in  these  upland  woods  is  rarely  dense,  and  is 
often  practically  wanting.  The  trees  are  almost  exclusively  deciduous, 
the  only  conifers  of  consequence  being  the  hemlock  (Tsuga  Catiadensis), 
which  occurs  in  a  few  localities  on  high  banks  along  streams;  and  the  red 
cedar  (Juniperus  Virginiana},  scattered  individuals  of  which  are  found  in 
some  parts  of  the  County.  The  characteristic  deciduous  trees  are :  white 
oak  (Quercus  alba),  red  oak  (Quercus  rubra*),  black  oak  (Quercus  velutina), 
pin  oak  (Quercus  palustris),  shell-bark  hickory  (Hicoria  ovata),  pig-nut 
hickory  (Hicoria  glabra),  sugar  maple  (Acer  saccharum),  beech  (Fagus 
atropunicea),  basswood  (Tilia  Americana),  chestnut  (Castanea  dentata),  tulip 
tree  (Liriodendrcn  Tulipifera),  with  an  occasional  cucumber  tree  (Magnolia 
acuminata.) 

With  respect  to  climate  this  region  presents  few  peculiarities.  The 
temperature  ranges  from  20  degrees  below  to  99  degrees  above  zero  Fahren- 
heit, though  both  these  extremes  are  exceptional.  Heavy  frosts  are  not 
generally  prevailent  before  October,  and  the  severe  cold  weather  usually 
occurs  during  the  latter  part  of  December  and  in  January.  The  influence 
of  winter,  however,  often  extends  far  into  the  spring,  and  frosts  in  May 
are  not  infrequent.  The  fall  of  gnow  is  not  heavy;  the  greatest  rainfall, 
as  a  rule,  occurring  in  the  spring  months.  This  is  usually  succeeded 
either  in  the  summer  or  early  fall  by  a  season  of  drought,  which  is  some- 
times of  considerable  duration.  Severe  thunder-showers  are  not  uncom- 
mon, being  most  frequent  during  June  and  the  first  part  of  July.  The 
average  annual  precipitation  at  Wposter,  for  the  seven  years  previous  to 
1894,  was  40.11  inches;  the  average  annual  temperature  for  the  same 
period  being  49.3  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

Faunally  considered  this  locality  is  almost  purely  Carolinian,  with  a 
very  slight  infusion  of  forms  of  somewhat  more  northern  affinities— as 
Habia  ludoviciana,  Piranga  erythromelas  and  Parus  alricapillus,  which  are 
all  common  during  the  breeding  season.  With  these  occur  such  charac- 
teristic Carolinian  species  as  Empidonax  virescens,  Icterus  spurius,  Spizeila 
pusilla,  Cardinaliscardinalis,  Stelgidopteryxserripennis,  Helminthophila  pinus, 
Seiurus  motacilla,  Icteria  virens  and  Thryothorus  ludovicianus. 

During  both  seasons  of  migration,  but  more  particularly  in  the  spring, 
species,  as  well  as  to  a  less  extent  individuals,  are  remarkably  numerous, 
following  in  their  movements  what  appears  to  be  a  natural  highway  along 
the  courses  of  the  streams,  which  it  will  be  noticed  form  the  headwaters 


250 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


of  the  Muekingum  River.  The  valley  of  the  Killbuck  seems  to  be 
especially  suitable,  for  during  a  favorable  season  the  woodlands  along 
this  stream  fairly  teem  with  bird  life.  A  certain  locality,  situated  along 
the  Killbuck  and  distant  some  four  miles  northwest  from  Wooster, 
apparently  presents  unusual  attractions  to  the  birds,  besides  being  both 
an  entomological  and  a  botanical  paradise.  This  appears  to  be  accounted 
for  by  the  great  diversity  of  topographical  conditions  existing  within  a 
comparatively  small  area;  since  here  are  upland  fields,  thickets,  forests, 
and  wooded  ravines  closely  adjacent  to  the  swamps,  marshes,  meadows, 
damp  woodlands  and  thickets  of  the  Killbuck's  valley. 

To  illustrate  its  attractiveness  to  the  lover  of  birds,  as  well  as  to  indi- 
date  what  may  be  seen  here  during  the  spring  season  of  migration,  the 
following  list  is  appended;  consisting  of  eighty-four  species  observed  on 
May  15,  1892,  between  the  hours  of  7:30  A.  M.  and  9:00  p.  M.,  a  large  pro- 
portion having  been  noted  in  the  vicinity  of  the  locality  just  mentioned  : 


Ardetta  exilis, 
Ardea  virescens, 
Gallinago  delicata, 
Tetanus  solitarius, 
Actitis  macularia, 
jEgialitis  vocifera, 
Colinus  virginianus, 
Bonasa  umbellus, 
Zenaidura  macroura, 
Accipiter  cooperii, 
Buteo  borealis, 
Buteo  lineatup, 
Falco  sparverius, 
Syrnium  nebulosuro, 
Megascope  agio, 
Coccyzus  americanup, 
Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus, 
Ceryle  alcyon, 
Dryobates  villosus, 
Dryobates  pubescens, 
Sphyrapicus  varius, 
Melanerpes  erythrocephalus 
Colaptes  auratus, 
Antrostomus  vociferus, 
Chordeiles  virginianus, 
Cbaetura  pelagica, 
Trochilus  colubrip, 
Tyrannus  tyrannus, 
Myiarchns  crinitus, 
Sayornis  phoebe, 
Contopus  virens, 


Empidonax  flaviventrie, 
Ernpidonax  traillii, 
Empidonax  minimus, 
Cyanccitta  cristata, 
Corvus  americanus, 
Dolichonyx  oryzivorug, 
Molothrus  ater, 
Agelaius  phoeaiceus, 
Sturnella  magna, 
Icterus  galbula, 
Quiscalus  quiscula  ameus, 
Spinus  tristis, 
Poocsetes  gramineus, 
Zonotrichia  leucophrys, 
.Zonotrichia  albicollis, 
Spicella  socialis, 
Melospiza  faeciata, 
Pipilo  erythrophthalmus, 
Car  din  alls  cardinalis, 
Habia  ludoviciana, 
Passerina  cyanea, 
Piranga  erythromelas, 
Progue  subis, 
Chilidon  erythrogaslra, 
Tachycineta  bicolor, 
SteJgidopteryx  serripennis, 
Vireo  olivaceus, 
Vireo  gilvus, 
Vireo  flavifrons, 
Mniotilta  varia, 
Helminthophila  pinus. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  251 

Deudroica  rcstiva,  Thryothorus  ludovicianus, 

Dendroica  crcrulescens,  Troglodytes  hiemalis, 

Dendroica  maculosa,  Sitta  carolinensie, 

Dendroid  pennsylvanica,  Parus  bicolor, 

Dendroica  virenp,  Parus  atricapillus, 

Seiurus  aurocapillus,  Regulus  calendula, 

Seiurus  motacilla,  Polioptila  ca^rulea, 

Geothlypis  trichas,  Turdus  mustelinus, 

Setophaga  ruticilla,  Turdus  fuscescens, 

Galeoscoptes  carolinensis,  Merula  migratoria, 

Harporhynchus  rufus,  Sialia  sialis. 

The  number  of  species  actually  ascertained  to  occur  in  the  County  is 
183.  Of  this  number  thirty  are  permanent  residents,  as  follows;  those 
less  common  during  the  winter  being  designated  by  an  asterisk : 

Colinus  virginianus,  Dryobates  pubeecens, 

Bonasa  umbellus,  Melanerpes  caroliaus, 

Zsnaidura  macroura,*  Colaptes  auratus,* 

Circus  hudsonius,*  Otocoris  alpestris  praticola, 

Accipiter  velox,  Cyanocitta  cristata, 

Accipiter  cooperii,  Sturnella  magna,* 

Buteo  borealis,*  Spinus  trisli«i, 

Buteo  lineatus,*  Passer  domes ticus, 

Falco  sparverius,*  Melospiza  fasciata,* 

Asio  wilsonianiiK,  Oardinalis  cardinalis, 

Syrnium  nebulosum,  Ampelis  cedrorum.* 

Nyctala  acadica,  Thryothorus  ludovicianue, 

Megascops  aeia,  Sitta  carolinensis, 

Bubo  virginianus,  Parus  bicolor, 

Dryobates  villosus,  Parus  atricapillus, 

The  following  sixty-one  are  summer  residents,  those  distinguished 
by  an  asterisk  being  sometimes  also  winter  residents: 

Aix  sponsa,  Cheetura  pelagica, 

Botaurus  lentiginosuo,  Trochilus  colubris, 

Ardetta  exilis,  Tyrannus  tyrannus, 

Ardea  herodiap,  Myiarchus  crinitus, 

Ardea  virescens,  Sayornis  phoebe, 

Kallus  elegans,  Contopus  viren', 

Philohela  minor,  Empidonax  virescens, 

Actitis  macularia,  Empidonax  traillii, 

uEgialitis  vocifera,  Corvus  americanus,* 

Coccyzus  americanus,  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus, 

Ceryle  alcyon,*  Molothrus  ater, 

Melanerpes  erythrocephalus,*  Agelaius  phoeniceus,    , 

Antrostomus  vociferus,  Icterus  spurius, 

Chordeiles  virginianus,  Icterus  galbula, 


252 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


Quiscalus  quiscula  seneus,* 

Poocaetes  gramineus, 

Ammodramus  savannarum  passerinus, 

Spizella  socialis, 

Spizella  pusilla, 

Pipilo  erythrophthalmus, 

Habia  ludoviciana, 

Passeriaa  cyanea, 

Spiza  americana, 

Piranga  erythromelas, 

Progne  subis, 

Petrochelidon  lunifrons, 

Chelidon  erythrogastra, 

Stelgidopteryx  serripennis, 

Lanius  ludovicianus  excubitorides, 

Vireo  olivaceus, 

Vireo  gilvus, 


Vireo  flavifrons, 
Mniotilta  varia, 
Helminthophila  pinus, 
Dendroica  {estiva, 
Seiurus  aurocapillus, 
Seiurus  motacilla, 
Geothlypis  trichas, 
Icteria  virens, 
Galeoscoptes  carolinensis, 
Harporhynchus  rufus, 
Troglodytes  aedon, 
Cistothorus  palustris, 
Polioptila  cserulea, 
Turdus  mustelinus, 
Merula  migratoria,* 
Sialia  sialis.* 


Six  additional  species  which  belong  more  properly  with  the  trans- 
ient visitors  have  been  identified  as  occasional  summer  residents : 


Anas  boschas, 
Totanus  flavipes, 
Sphyrapicus  varius, 


Tachycineta  bicolor, 
Dendroica  pennsylvanica, 
Setophaga  ruticilla. 


The  transient  visitors  number  fifty -seven,  and  are  as  follows  : 


Colymbus  auritus, 

Podilymbus  podiceps, 

Urinator  imber, 

Larus  Philadelphia, 

Merganser  americanus, 

Lophodytes  cucullatus, 

Anas  obscura, 

Anas  americana, 

Anas  carolinensis, 

Anas  discors, 

Spatula  clypeata, 

Dalila  acuta, 

Ay  thy  a  americana, 

Ay  thy  a  valisneria, 

Aythya  affinis, 

Glaucionetta  clangula  americana, 

Charitonetta  albeola, 

Erismatur  rubida, 

Branta  canadensis, 

Ballus  virginianus, 

Porzana  Carolina, 

Gallinula  galeata, 


Fulica  americana, 

Gallinago  delicata, 

Tringa  maculata, 

Totanus  melanoleucus, 

Totanus  solitarius, 

Bartramia  longicauda, 

Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus, 

Empidonax  flaviventris, 

Empidonax  minimus, 

Scoleoophagus  carolinus, 

Carpodacus  purpureus, 

Ammodramus  sandwichensis  savanna, 

Zonotrichia  leucophrys, 

Z  notrichia  albicollis, 

Melospiza  georgiana, 

Passerella  iliaca, 

Helminthophila  peregrina, 

Dendroica  tigrina, 

Dendroica  cserulescens, 

Dendroica  coronata, 

Dendroica  maculosa, 

Dendroica  cserulea, 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  253 

Dendroica  castanea,  Sitta  canadensis, 

Dendroica  striata,  Eegulus  calendula, 

Dendroica  blackburnia,  Turdus  fuscescens, 

Dendroica  virens,  Turdus  alicise, 

Geothlypis  agilis,  Turdus  ustulatus  swainsonii, 

Geothlypis  Philadelphia,  Turdus  aonalaschkse  pallasii. 
Sylvania  pusilla, 

Nine  species  may  be  catalogued  as  winter  visitors : 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis,  Lanius  borealis, 

Asio  accipitrinus,  Troglodytes  hiemalis, 

Plectrophenax  nivalis,  Certhia  familiaris  americana, 

Spizella  monticola,  Regulus  satrapa. 
Junco  hyemalis, 

Eighteen   species  are  of  only  casual  or  accidental  occurrence,  as 
follows : 

Larus  argentatus  smithsonianus,  Aquila  chrysaetos, 

Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos,  Haliseetus  leucocephalus, 

Merganser  eerrator,  Falco  peregrinus  anatum, 

Clangula  hyemalis,  Falco  columbarius, 

Olor  columbianus,  Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis, 

Ardea  egretta,  Strix  pratincola, 

Cathartes  aura,  Nyctea  nyctea, 

Ectopistes  migratorius,  Otocoris  alpestris, 

fiuteo  latissimus,  Acanthis  linaria. 

Two  species  which  were  undoubtedly  once  permanent  residents  of 
the  County  are  now  probably  extinct,  viz. : 

Meleagris  gallopavo,  Ceophloeus  pileatus. 

A  census  of  the  birds  of  the  County  according  to  families  gives  the 
following  result : 

Podicipida?,  2  species,  Falconida\  13  species, 

Urinatoridse,  1  species,  Strigida?,  1  species, 

Laridas,  2  species,  Babonidre,  7  sp?cies, 

Pelecanidse,  1  species,  Cuculidse,  2  species, 

Anatidse,  20  species,  Alcedinida>,  1  species, 

Ardeidse,  5  species,  Picidfe,  7  species, 

Kallidae,  5  species,  Caprimulgidoe,  2  species, 

Scolopacidse,  8  species,  Micropodidee,  1  species, 

Charadriidas,  1  species,  Trochilidse,  1  species, 

Tetraonida3,  2  species,  Tyrannidse,  8  species, 

Phasianidse,  1  species,  Alaudidse,  2  species, 

Columbid*,  2  species,  Corvida^,  2  species, 

Cathartidffi,  1  species,  Icterida?,  8  species, 


254                                      OHIO  EXPERIMENT   STATION. 

Fringillidw,  22  species,  Mniotiltid*,  22  species, 

Tanagridee,  1  species,  Troglodytidae,  6  species, 

Hirundinidse,  5  species,  Certhiidfe,  1  species, 

Ampelidre,  1  species,  Paridae,  4  species, 

Laniidrc,  2  species,  SyMidte,  3  species, 

Vireonidae,  3  species,  Turdidae,  7  species. 

Total  number  of  families,  38 ;  of  species,  183. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


ORDER     PYGOPODES.     DIVING   BIRDS. 

SUBORDER     PODICIPEDES.     GREBES. 

FAMILY     PODICIPID/E.     GREBES. 

GENUS    COLYMBUS.     LINN/KUS. 

SUBGENUS     DYTES.     KAUP. 

1.  Colymbus  auritus    (LINN.). 

Horned  Grebe. 

A  more  or  less  regular  transient  on  the  streams  and  ponds  of  the  County.  It 
is  tolerably  common  in  the  fall,  but  it  is  not  so  frequently  observed  in  the  spring. 

GENUS    PODILYMBUS     LESSON. 

2.  Podilymbus  podiceps    (LINN.). 

Pied-billed  Grebe ;    Dabchiek;    Hell  Diver. 

A  common  transient  both  in  fall  and  spring,  apparently  occurring  most  numer- 
ously in  April,  September  and  October.  A  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  wa^ 
taken  on  the  Wooster  Reservoir,  September  30,  1892.  Possibly  a  rare  summer  resi- 
dent of  the  most  secluded  swamps  and  marshes,  but  there  is  no  record  of  its  breeding; 
within  the  limits  of  the  County. 

SUBORDER     CEPHI.     LOONS  AND  AUKS. 

FAMILY     URINATORID/E.     LOONS. 

GENUS    URINATOR.     CUVIER. 

3.  Urinator  imber    (GUNN.). 

Loon  ;    Great  Northern  Diver. 

Transient  visitor;  rare.  Apparently  most  liable  to  be  encountered  after  a  severe 
spring  storm,  when  occasionally  one  or  two  alight  on  Killbuck  Creek.  It  is  found 
sometimes  also  on  the  lakes  and  ponds,  and  even  along  the  smaller  streams.  Seldom 
if  ever  have  more  than  two  been  seen  at  one  time.  An  adult  in  the  collection  of  Mr. 
C.  E.  Bixler  was  taken  in  the  central  park  of  the  County,  May  2,  1888. 
2  B.  W.  C. 


:256  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

ORDER     LONGIPENNES.     LONG-WINGED  SWIMMERS. 
FAMILY     LARID/E.     GULLS  AND  TERNS. 

SUBFAMILY     LAR1N/E.     GULLS. 
GENUS    LARUS.     LINN/EUS. 

4.  Tiarus  argentatus  smiths onianus    (COUE?.). 

American  Herring  Gull. 

Very  rare  transient  visitor.  Appearing  irregularly  on  ponds  and  the  larger 
streams,  generally  singly  or  in  pairs.  A  fine  adult  specimen  in  the  collection  of  Mr. 
John  Blandford,  of  Wooster,  was  shot  near  the  town,  from  a  flock  of  four,  in  the 
•spring  of  1873. 

5.  Larus  Philadelphia    (ORD). 

Bonaparte's  Gull. 

A  rare  and  irregular  transient  visitor;  noted  most  frequently  in  the  spring. 
Individuals  sometimes  linger  for  several  days  along  Killbuck  Creek,  or  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  lakes  and  larger  ponds.  In  the  spring  of  1879,  four  were  seen  and  one  shot  on 
a  mill  pond  near  Wooster. 

ORDER     STEGANOPODES.     TOTIPALMATE  SWIMMERS. 
FAMILY     PELECANID^E.     PELICANS. 

GENUS    PELECANUS.     LINNAEUS. 
SUBGENUS     CYRTOPELICANUS.     REICHENBACH. 

$.    Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos    (GMEL.). 
American  White  Pelican. 

Only  a  single  specimen  is  known  to  have  been  taken.  This  is  an  adult  in  breed- 
ing plumage,  and  was  shot  in  the  summer  of  1886,  along  Killbuck  Creek  in  the  south- 
ern portion  of  the  County.  No  others  were  seen  at  the  time.  This  bird  was 
preserved  and  mounted  for  Dr.  J.  C.  McMurray,  of  Shreve,  from  whom  the  above 
particulars  of  its  capture  were  obtained.  Dr.  J.  M.  Wheaton  mentions1  but  one  spec- 
imen in  breeding  plumage  as  having  been  taken  in  the  State. 


1  Geological  survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  p.    42. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


257 


ORDER     ANSERES.     LAMELLIROSTRAL  SWIMMERS. 
FAMILY     ANATID/G.     DUCKS,  GEESE  AND  SWANS. 

SUBFAMILY     MERGING.     MERGANSERS. 
GENUS    MERGANSER.     BRISSON. 

7.    Merganser  americanus    (CASS.). 
American  Merganser ;  Goosander. 

A  rare  transient  visitor.     A  female  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Joseph  Housekeeper, 
of  Wooster,  was  killed  by  him  along  Killbuck  Creek,  March  22,  1893. 


RED-BREASTED    MERGANSER,    NATURAL    SIZE. 

8.    Merganser  serrator  (LINN.). 
Red-breasted  Merganser. 

This  is  in  this  locality  apparently  the  rarest  of  the  three  species  of  Mergansers. 
The  writer's  only  record  for  the  County  is  that  of  an  adult  female  obtained  at  the 
Wooster  reservoir,  November  15,  1890. 


GENUS    LOPHODYTES.     REICHENBACH. 


9.    Lophodytes  cucullatus    (LINN.). 
Hooded  Merganser. 


Transient  visitor;  of  more  frequent  occurrence  than  either  of  the  two  preceding, 
hough  not  very  common.  It  is  observed  principally  in  the  spring;  males  appearing 
to  be  oftener  taken  than  females. 


258  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

SUBFAMILY     ANATIN/E.     RIVER  DUCKS. 

GENUS     ANAS.     LINN^US. 

SUBGENUS     ANAS. 

10.  Anas  boschas    (LINN.). 
Mallard. 

An  abundant  spring  and  fall  transient.  As  is  the  case  with  several  of  the  other 
Ducks  that  are  found  chiefly  on  the  larger  streams  and  bodies  of  water,  this  species  is 
much  more  numerous  during  a  very  rainy  season,  the  bottom-lands  along  the  Kill- 
buck  being  then  extensively  overflowed.  The  floods  are  more  frequent  in  spring  than 
in  the  fall ;  consequently  the  Ducks  are  at  the  former  season  decidedly  more  abund- 
ant. During  a  favorable  autumn  the  Mallard  is  nearly  as  numerous  as  in  spring,  but 
if  the  fall  be  very  dry,  few  or  none  are  to  be  found.  It  occurs  in  spring  chiefly  in 
flocks,  which  in  Jormer  years  sometimes  aggregated  several  thousand  individuals;  but 
at  the  present  time  flocks  of  over  150  are  unusual.  This  diminution  in  numbers  is 
due  to  the  straightening  of  the  course  of  Killbuck  Creek,  causing  the  water  to  recede 
from  the  flooded  lands  with  comparative  rapidity. 

Mr.  Hous'ekeeper  informs  me  that  several  years  ago  a  nest  of  this  species  was 
found  three  miles  south  of  Wooster,  in  an  extensive  marsh  along  the  Killbuck.  This 
is  the  only  known  instance  of  its  breeding  in  the  County. 

11.  Anas  obscura    (GMEL.). 
Black  Duck;    Dusky  Duck. 

A  common  transient  both  in  spring  and  fall;  often  in  flocks  associated  with 
Mallards. 

SUBGENUS     MARECA.     STEPHENS. 

12.  Anas  americana    (GMEL.). 
Badpate;  American  Widgeon. 

A  common  transient  visitor  in  spring,  but  rare  in  the  fall.  It  is  found  principally 
along  Killbuck  Creek,  not  infrequently  in  large  flocks,  and  often  with  Mallards  and 
Black  Ducks. 

SUBGENUS     NETTION.     KAUP. 

13.  Anas  carolinensis    (GMEL.). 
Green-winsred  Teal. 

Transient  visitor;  tolerably  common  in  the  spring,  but  rare  in  autumn.  It  occurs 
in  small  flocks,  alone  or  with  other  Ducks.  It  was  formerly  more  common,  and  was 
found  in  much  larger  flocks. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  259 

SUBGENUS     QUERQUEDULA.     STEPHENS. 

14.  Anas  discors     (LINN.). 
Ii  hie- winged  Teal. 

A  tolerably  common  spring  transient;  not  so  often  observed  in  the  fall.  It  is 
seen  in  small  flocks,  frequently  with  other  Ducks. 

GENUS     SPATULA.     BOIE. 

15.  Spatula  clypeata    (LINN.). 
Shoveller. 

A  rare  and  irregular  transient  visitor.  It  is  said  to  have  been  several  times  taken 
at  Fox  Lake.  An  adult  male  in  full  spring  plumage,  which  was  shot  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  County  along  Killbuck  Creek,  during  the  spring  of  1886,  is  now  in  the  col- 
lection of  Mr.  George  Faber,  of  Wooster. 

GENUS     DAFILA.     STEPHENS. 

16.  Dafila  acuta    (LINN.). 
Pintail. 

An  abundant  transient  in  March  and  April;  not  nearly  so  numerous  in  the  fall. 
It  prefers  the  larger  streams,  especially  Killbuck  Creek,  and  when  the  adjacent  low- 
lands are  widely  overflowed  sometimes  congregates  there  in  flocks  of  100  to  150  indi- 
viduals. This  species  and  the  Mallard  are  of  all  the  Ducks  the  most  abundant. 

GENUS     AIX.     BOIE. 


WOOD  DUCK,  MUCH  REDUCED. 

17.    Aix  sponsa    (LINN.). 

Wood  Duck  ;   Summer  Duck. 

Summer  resident ;  tolerably  common  in  some  portions  of  the  County,  but  in 
others,  though  formerly  of  regular  occuirence,  is  now  quite  rare.  It  arrives  usually 
during  the  latter  part  of  March,  or  early  in  April,  and  may  be  found  breeding  in  cer- 


260  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

tain  localities  nearly  every  year.  Its  favorite  haunts  are  the  woods  and  swamps  in 
the  valley  of  the  Killbuck,  where  in  autumn,  after  a  suitable  season,  flocks  of  twenty 
or  thirty  are  sometimes  to  be  seen.  It  remains  until^October  or  November. 

SUBFAMILY     FULIQULIN/E.     SEA  DUCKS. 
GENUS    AYTHYA.     BOIE. 

SUBGENUS     AYTHYA. 

18.  Aythya  americana    (Evx.) 
Redhead. 

Now  a  rare  transient  visitor,  although  common  many  years  ago,  appearing  regu- 
larly in  spring  in  flocks  along  Killbuck  Creek. 

SUBGENUS     ARISTONETTA.     BAiRD.1 

19.  Aythya  vallisneria    (WILS.) 
Canvas-back. 

Transient  visitor ;  rare.  It  is  seen  singly  or  in  pairs,  sometimes  with  other  species 
of  Ducks,  and  chiefly  on  Killbuck  Creek. 

SUBGENUS     FULIGULA.     STEPHENS. 

20.  Aythya  affinis    (EYT.). 
Lesser  Scaup  Duck;  Raft  Duck. 

A  common  spring  and  fall  transient,  though  never  seen  in  large  flocks.  One  of 
the  first  Ducks  to  appear  in  the  spring,  and  among  the  latest  to  depart  in  autumn.  It 
associates  at  times  with  Mallards,  Pintails  and  Baldpates. 

GENUS  '  GLAUCIONETTA.     STEJNEGER. 

21.  Glaucionetta  clangula  americana  (BONAP.). 
American  Golden-eye. 

A  tolerably  common  though  irregular  spring  transient ;  not  observed  in  the'fall. 
Apparently  of  most  frequent  occurrence  in  March,  when  it  is  often  found  on  the 
smaller  streams  and  ponds.  An  adult  male  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  John  Blandford 
was  shot  near  Wooster,  from  a  flock  of  four,  in  the  spring  of  1877.  Another  specimen, 
a  female,  in  the  writer's  collection,  was  taken  in  the  same  vicinity  on  March  29,  1893. 


iThis  subgenus  was  unintentionally  omitted  from  the  A.  O.  U.  Check  List.     (CF  RIDGWAY,  Manual  of 
North  American  Birds,  p.  102.) 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  26J 

GENUS     CHARITONETTA.     STEJNEGER, 

22.  Charitonetta  albeola    (LINN.). 
Buffle-head ;  Butter- ball. 

A  common  transient  visitor  in  March  and  April ;  much  less  frequently  observed' 
in  the  fall.  It  occurs  singly  and  in  small  flocks,  usually  not  accompanied  by  other 
sp?cies.  Contrary  to  the  experience  of  Dr.  Wheaton,1  it  here  apparently  prefers  the 
lakes  and  ponds  to  running  water;  this  being  possibly  due  to  the  comparatively  small, 
size  of  the  streams. 

Mr.  C.  E.  Bixler  has  a  female  of  this  species  now  mounted,  which  was  picked  upr 
evidently  much  exhausted,  on  one  of  the  main  streets  of  Wooster,  April  26,  1885. 

GENUS     CLANGULA.     LEACH. 

23.  Clangula  hyemalis     (LINN.) 
Old  Squaw. 

A  winter  visitor  only,  and  apparently  quite  rare.  The  single  known  Wayne 
County  record  is  that  of  an  adult  male  which  was  killed  during  the  winter  of  1886-7,. 
in  the  extreme  southwestern  portion  of  the  County,  on  Odell's  Lake,  by  me.i  who 
were  there  at  work  cutting  ice.  This  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  Dr.  J.  C_ 
McMurray,  who  furnished  the  above  particulars  of  its  capture. 

GENUS     ERISMATURA.     BONAPARTE. 

24.  Erismatura  rubida    (WILS.). 
Ruddy  Duck. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  on  streams  and  ponds.  Observed  principally'in 
the  spring. 

SUBFAMILY     ANSERIN/E.     GEESE. 

GENUS    BRANTA.     SCOPOLI. 

25.  Branta  canadensis    (LINN.). 
Canada  Groose. 

A  common  spring  and  fall  transient,  observed  chiefly  in  March  and  November^ 
The  flocks  not  infrequently  alight  within  the  County,  probably  for  the  purpose  of 
feeding.  A  farmer  in  Clinton  township  found,  on  the  morning  of  March  21,  1894, 
about  fifty  of  these  birds  in  his  yard  among  his  domestic  geese.  A  Canada  Goose  now 
in  the  collection  of  Mr.  George  Faber  is  said  to  have  been  found  one  morning,  in  art 
alley  of  Wooster,  alive  but  in  an  exhausted  condition. 


1  Geological  survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  p.  534. 


262  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

SUBFAMILY     CYGNIN/E.     SWANS. 

GENUS     OLOR.     WAGLER. 

26.  Olor  columbianus    (ORD). 
Whistling  Swan. 

A  rare  transient  visitor.  A  fine  adult  specimen,  now  mounted  and  in  the  posses- 
sion of  Dr.  J.  H.  Todd  of  Wooster,  was  shot  from  a  flock  of  thirteen,  at  the  northern 
end  of  Odell's  Lake,  November  12,  1892. 

ORDER     HERODIONES.     HERONS,  STORKS,  IBISES,  ETC. 

SUBORDER     HERODII.     HERONS,   EGRETS,  BITTERNS,  ETC. 

FAMILY    ARDEID>£.     HERONS,  BITTERNS,  ETC. 

SUBFAMILY     BOTAURIN/E.     BITTERNS. 

GENUS     BOTAURUS.     HERMANN. 

27.  Botaurus  lentiginosus    (MONTAG.). 
American  Bittern. 

A  rare  summer  resident;  sometimes  tolerably  common  during  the  spring.  It  is 
apparently  restricted  to  the  more  extensive  swamps  and  marshes  on  the  bottom  lands, 
and  to  the  vicinity  of  the  larger  bodies  of  water. 

GENUS     ARDETTA.     GRAY. 

28.  Ardetta  exilis    (GMEL.). 
Least  Bittern. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident;  somewhat  more  numerous  and  more  gen- 
erally distributed  during  the  spring  migration.  In  the  latter  season  it  is  occasionally 
observed  along  streams  or  ditches  on  the  bottom-lands.  In  summer  it  is  apparently 
confined  to  the  ponds  and  lakes  and  to  the  secluded  swamps.  It  was  found  to  be  not 
uncommon  at  Round  and  Long  Lakes,  in  Holmes  County,  just  south  of  the  Wayne 
County  line,  on  July  27,  1893.  It  undoubtedly  breeds,  though  no  nests  have  come  to 
the  notice  of  the  writer. 

Several  years  ago  a  Least  Bittern  was  found  dead  on  one  of  the  streets  of  Wooster, 
the  bird  having  been  killed  by  flying  against  the  telegraph  wires. 


THE   BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 
SUBFAMILY     ARDEIN/E.     HERONS  AND  EGRETS. 

GENUS     ARDEA.     LINN. 

SUBGEXUS     ARDEA. 


263 


GREAT  BLUE  HERON  MUCH  REDUCED. 

29.    Ardea  herodias    (LINN.). 
Great  Blue  Heron. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident ;  found  in  all  suitable  localities  throughout 
the  County.  It  is  said  to  breed  regularly  in  the  vicinity  of  Orrville,  though  much 
less  abundantly  than  in  former  years.  At  the  present  time  the  few  pairs  that  at  last 
report  were  annually  rearing  their  young  in  the  deep  woods  about  three  miles  from 
the  town  are  the  only  survivors  of  a  once  extensive  heronry.  This  is  probably  owing 


264 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


to  the  encroachments  of  cultivation,  and  it  is  quite  possible  that  none  now  resort  to 
the  locality.  No  information  in  regard  to  other  nesting  places  is  at  present  available. 
Adults  appear  to  be  much  less  numerous  than  immature  birds. 


SUBGENUS     HERODIAS.     BOIE. 

30,  Ardea  egretta    (GMEL.). 
American  Egret. 

A  rare  and  irregular  visitor.  It  occurs  singly  or  in  small  flocks  along  streams 
and  about  the  lakes  and  ponds,  in  spring,  summer  and  early  autumn.  It  appears  to  be 
more  frequently  reported  in  spring  than  at  any  other  season.  Dr.  J.  M.  Wheaton 
says  of  this  species,1  "I  have  no  record  of  its  occurrence  in  spring  or  in  the  breeding 
season."  Dr.  B.  H.  Warren  also  mentions2  this  bird  as  a  straggler  in  late  summer  and 
autumn  only. 

SUBGENUS     BUTORIDES.     BLYTH. 

31.  Ardea  virescsns    (LINN.). 
Green  Heron. 

'A  common  summer  resident  from  April  23,  to  October  i.  It  nests  in  orchards  or 
in  low  trees  along  the  streams,  but  rarely,  if  ever,  in  colonies.  When  molested  it  will 
ordinarily  build  a  second  and  even  a  third  nest,  often  not  far  from  the  site  of  the  first, 
Five  eggs  is  the  usual  complement  here  and  full  sets  have  been  obtained  from  May  i& 
to  June  12. 

A  peculiar  trait  in  the  half  fledged  young,  and  one  which  seems  not  to  have  been 
mentioned  except  by  Audubon,3  is  the  manner  in  which,  upon  the  close  approa  h  of 
anyone  to  the  nest,  some  or  all  of  the  brood  leave  it,  walk  cautiously  out  nearly  to  the 
extremity  of  the  supporting  branch,  and  there  remain  squawking  loudly  at  every 
move  made  in  their  direciion.  At  these  times  the  parent  birds  are  very  frequently 
not  seen,  apparently  considering  their  offspring  capable  of  taking  care  of  themselves. 

The  measurements  of  five  nests  are  as  fallows  :* 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside 
top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

W  dth 
of  rim. 

1  
2  

8.00 
6.CO 

3.00 
2.50 

9.00  x  7.00 
6  00  x  5  00 



18.00  x  12.00 
15  00  x  12  00 



9.00  x  6.00 
800x600 

5.03  x  1.50 

3  
4 

5.00 
600 

3.00 
200 

8.00  x  6.50 

6.00  x  4.50 

13.00x12.00 
21  00  x  1500 

15.00  x  12.00 

7.00  x  5.50 

3.00  x  1.00 

5.  ... 

500 

250 

600x500 

15  00  x  1  5  00 

Average 

600 

260 

7  25  x  5  88 

16  40  x  13  20 

8  00  x  5  83 

4  00  x  1  25 

1  Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  IV,  iS8a,  p.  501. 

2  Report  on  Birds  of  Pennsylvania,  1890,  p    59. 
3 Ornithological  Biography  IV,  1838,  p   275 

4  All  nest  measurements  are  given  in  inches  and  hundredths;     and  the  double  dimensions  which   appear 
under  single  headings  i  -dicated  maximum  and  minimum  respectively. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


265 


ORDER  PALUDICOL^.  CRANES,  RAILS,  ETC. 
SUBORDER  RALLI.  RAILS,  GALLINULES,  COOTS,  ETC. 
FAMILY  RALLID>E.  RAILS,  GALLINULES  AND  COOTS. 

SUBFAMILY     RALLIN/C.     RAILS. 

GENUS    RALLUS.     LINN^US. 

32.    Rallus  elegans    (AUD.). 
King  Rail. 


A  rare  summer  resident  from  March  to  September  ;  slightly  more  common  in  the 
spring  than  at  other  seasons.  It  is  to  be  found  principally  in  its  breeding  places  in 
the  extensive  swamps  and  marshes. 

A  young  bird  in  downy  black  plumage  was  captured  in  the  latter  part  of  June, 
1888,  on  a  road  which  passes  through  a  swampy  district  about  two  and  one-half  miles 
south  of  Wooster.  When  first  discovered,  the  parent  bird  (which  was  also  secured), 
manifested  much  anxiety  for  the  safety  of  its  offspring,  running  again  and  again 
around  the  young  one  as  though  hoping  thus  to  preserve  it  from  harm.  Both  are  now 
in  the  collection  of  Mr.  J.  Housekeeper. 


33.    Rallus  virgiaianus     (LINN.). 
Virginia  Rail. 


An  abundant  spring  transient,  chiefly  in  April ;  much  less  numerous  in  the  fall. 
At  these  seasons  it  may  be  found  in  nearly  all  the  large  swamps  and  marshes  of  the 
County.  Not  ascertained  to  occur  as  a  summer  resident,  perhaps  from  lack  of 
opportunity  for  thorough  investigation  during  that  season,  in  localities  suitable  for 
the  nesting  of  the  species  since  it  without  much  doubt  breeds  at  least  sparingly  some- 
where in  this  region. 


266 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


GENUS     PORZANA.     VIEILLOT. 

SUBGENUS     PORZANA. 


SORA,    MUCH    REDUCED. 

34.    Porzana  Carolina    (LINN  ). 
Sora;  Carolina  Rail. 

An  abundant  transient  in  March  and  April ;  less  common  during  its  fall  migra- 
tion, which  covers  the  latter  part  of  August  and  the  months  of  September  and  Oct- 
ober. It  has  not  been  observed  in  summer,  although  it  perhaps  occurs.  It  is  more 
numerous  than  either  of  the  two  preceding  specie?,  and  frequents  of  course  similar 
localities. 

SUBFAMILY     GALLINULIN/E.     GALLINULES. 

GENUS    GALLINULA.     BRISSON. 


35.    Gallinula  galeata    (LIGHT.). 
Florida  Gallinule. 

Rare;  seen  chiefly  on  the  lakes  and  ponds,  singly  or  in  pairs.  An  adult  female 
was'captured  alive  in  a  barnyard  eight  miles  north  of  Wooster,  April  19,  1890,  and 
was  brought  to  town  in  a  cage ;  but  it  lived  only  three  days.  It  is  now  preserved  in 
the  writer's  collection. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  267 

SUBFAMILY     FULICIN/E.     COOTS. 

GENUS     FULICA.     LINNM.US. 

36.    Fulica  americana    (GMEL,). 
American  Coot. 

A  common  spring  transient,  often  in  flocks;  not  so  numerous  in  the  fall.  It  has 
been  observed,  though  rarely,  on  some  of  the  lakes  as  late  as  June,  from  which  it 
would  appear  to  be  possibly  a  summer  resident. 

On  April  9,  1887,  Mr.  C.  E.  Bixler  found,  in  Wooster,  a  Coot  that  had  evidently 
been  killed  by  striking  against  the  side  of  the  low  building  near  which  it  was 
discovered. 


ORDER     LIM1COL/E.     SHORE  BIRDS. 

FAMILY     SCOLOPACID>E.     SNIPES,  SANDPIPERS,   ETC. 

GENUS    PHILOHELA.     GRAY. 

37.  Philohela  minor    (GMEL.). 
American  Woodcock. 

Summer  resident ;  tolerably  common.  It  is  generally  distributed  throughout  the 
County,  but  is  now  in  certain  localities  becoming  rare.  It  appears  in  March ;  and 
migrates  southward  usually  during  the  month  of  October,  though  occasionally  a  few 
may  be  found  in  favorable  places  as  late  as  November. 

It  begins  to  breed  soon  after  its  arrival.  On  May  24,  1891,  a  brood  of  three  young 
about  a  week  old  were  surprised  in  a  little  open  place  among  thickets  along  a  mill- 
race.  While  the  parent  bird  endeavored  to  attract  attention  to  herself,  the  young 
birds  proceeded  to  quickly  secrete  themselves.  They  all  started  away  in  different  direc- 
tions holding  their  wings  in  a  perpendicular  position,  and  uttering  at  the  same  time  a 
peculiar  peeping  note.  One  caught  and  held  in  the  hand  for  a  few  moments  still 
continued  its  peeping,  and  when  placed  again  upon  the  ground  immediately  sought 
safety  in  concealment  among  the  undergrowth. 

GENUS     GALLINAGO.     LEACH. 

38.  Gallinago  delicata    (ORD). 
Wilson's  Snipe. 

A  common  spring  and  fall  transient;  more  numerous  in  the  former  season.  It 
arrives  generally  about  the  middle  of  March  (rather  earlier  than  later),  and  is  present 
in  greatest  numbers  during  the  first  three  weeks  of  April ;  though  SDmewhat  irregular 
both  in  numbers  and  distribution.  Individuals  have  sometimes  be>n  seen  as  late  as 
May  15.  Its  favorite  haunts  are  the  marshes  and  damp  meadows  of  the  bottom  lands. 


268 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


GENUS     TRINGA.     LINNAEUS. 

SUBGENUS     ACTODROMAS.     KAUP. 

39.    Tringa  maculata    (VIEILL.). 
Pectoral  Sandpiper. 

Transient  visitor ;  observed  only  in  the  vicinity  of  Orrville,  where  it  is  common 
during  April,  in  the  marshy  meadows  bordering  the  uncleared  portions  of  Newman's 
Swamp.  It  is  found  usually  in  flocks  of  not  more  than  twenty  individuals;  and  is 
ordinarily  quite  tame  and  unsuspicious.  It  has  not  been  noted  in  the  fall.  In  Mr. 
Freeman's  collection  are  several  specimens  of  this  species,  and  to  him  the  writer  is 
indebted  for  the  above  facts  in  regard  to  its  occurrence. 

GENUS     TOTANUS.     BECHSTEIN. 


SUBGENUS     GLOTTIS.     KOCH. 


GREATER    YELLOW-LEGS,    NATURAL    SIZE. 

40.  ^Totanus  melanoleucus    (GMEL.). 

Greater  Yellow-legs. 

A  rare  transient  visitor;  occuring  more  frequently  in  the  fall  than  in  the  spring. 
A  specimen  was  taken  at  the  Wooster  Reservoir,  October  14.  1890. 

41.  Totanus  flavipes    (GMEL.). 
Yellow-legs. 

Transient  visitor ;  rare;  probably  an  occasional  summer  resident.  One  was  shot 
by^Mr.  E.  N.  Freeman,  near  Orrville,  in  the  summer  of  1889. 

SUBGENUS     HELODROMAS.     KAUP. 

42.  Totanus  solitarius    (WILS.). 
Solitary  Sandpiper. 

A  transient  visitor;  tolerably  common  in  spring  from  the  latter  part  of  April  to 
about  the  middle  of  May.  The  earliest  date  of  its  appearance  is  April  23  (1893)  and 
none  have  been  met  with  later  than  May  31.  It  generally  occurs  singly  or  in  pairs, 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  269 


but  sometimes  in  companies  of  four  or  five,  and  frequents  the  vicinity  of   ditches, 
sluggish  streams  and  stagnant  pools.     It  has  not  been  observed  in  the  fall. 

GENUS.     BARTRAMIA.     LESSON. 

• 

43.  Bartramia  longicauda    (BECHST.). 
Bartramian  Sandpiper;  Upland  Plover. 

A  rare  transient  visitor ;  seen  chiefly  on  the  lowlands  in  the  vicinity  of  water. 
One  shot  in  the  spring  of  1891,  at  Newman's  Swamp,  is  in  the  collection  of  Ur.  E.  B. 
Yager,  of  Orrville. 

GENUS     ACTITIS.     ILLIGER. 

44.  Actitis  macularia     (LINN.). 
Spotted  Sandpiper. 

Common  summer  resident  from  about  the  middle  of  April  to  the  latter  part  of 
September.  Extreme  dates  are  April  13  and  September  23.  It  frequents  the  lakes, 
ponds  and  streams  of  running  water,  breeding  in  the  grass  fields  and  the  grain  fieldst 
adjoining,  or  at  most  not  far  away.  It  is  ordinarily  to  be  found  singly  or  in  pairs,  but 
sometimes  in  flocks  of  five  to  ten  individuals. 

FAMILY     CHARADRHD>E.     PLOVERS. 
GENUS    -ffiGIALITIS.     BOIE. 

SUBGENUS     OXYECHUS.     REICHENBACH. 

45.  -ffigialitis  vocifera    (LINN.). 
Killdeer. 

An  abundant  summer  resident ;  noted  from  February  28  to  November  30,  though 
usually  few  remain  later  than  November  i.  It  prefers  as  feeding  grounds,  especially 
in  spring,  the  moist  and  even  marshy  meadows,  although  it  may  regularly  be  found 
in  the  upland  fields.  It  frequently  collects  in  small  flocks  before  the  breeding  season 
but  occurs  in  much  larger  companies  during  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  and  in 
autumn.  At  Wooster,  on  July  n,  1892,  a  Killdeer  apparently  flying  over  the  city  at 
considerable  altitude,  was  heard  calling  at  n  130  P.  M. 

The  stomachs  of  two  Killdeers  examined  contained  red-legged  grasshoppers 
(Melanoplus  femur-rubrum},  and  scarabseid  beetles  (Aphodius  servtl),  with  remains 
of  unidentifiable  Staphilinidtz  and  Curcttltonidce^ 

A  killdeer  shot  November  10,  1892,  along  the  margin  of  a  small  stream  near 
Wooster  is  remarkable  for  the  condition  of  one  of  its  feet.  The  right  tarsus  of  this 
specimen  is  very  much  shriveled  below  an  enlargement  of  the  bone  near  the  ankle 
joint,  this  enlargement  having  the  appearance  of  an  old  shot  wound.  By  reason  of 
this  the  tarsus  and  middle  toe  are  together  seven-eights  of  an  inch  shorter  than  in  the 
other  foot.  This  apparently  rendered  the  limb  useless,  for  the  bird,  though  able  to 


1  Insect  determinations  are  by  Prof.  F.  M.  Webster. 


270  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

fly  perfectly  well,  walked  with  much  evident  difficulty.  The  left  tibia  of  another 
specimen,  taken  October  12,  1892,  was  found  to  be  very  crooked,  and  at  a  point  near 
its  proximal  extremity  so  much  enlarged  as  to  indicate  either  a  former  fracture  or 
similar  severe  injury.  It  had,  however,  completely  healed,  and  the  bone  to  all 
appearances  was  as  strong  as  it  had  ever  been. 


ORDER     CALLING      GALLINACEOUS   BIRDS. 

SUBORDER     PHASIANI.     PHEASANTS,  GROUSE,   PARTRIDGES, 

QUAILS,   ETC. 

FAMILY     TETRAONID>E.     GROUSE,  PARTRIDGES,  ETC. 

SUBFAMILY     PERDICIN/C.     PARTRIDGES. 

GENUS     COLINUS.     LESSON. 

46.    Colinus  virginianus    (LINN.). 
Bob- white;  "Quail." 

A  permanent  resident;  some  years  abundant  much  le-s  numerous  during  others. 
In  severe  winters  whole  covies  are  sometimes  found  dead,  having  succumbed  to  cold 
and  the  scarcity  of  proper  food.  It  is,  moreover,  not  an  infrequent  circumstance  to 
discover  individuals  that  have  been  killed  by  flying  against  wires  of  the  telegraph 
lines. 

Except  during  part  of  the  breeding  season  this  species  moves  chiefly  in  flocks, 
frequenting  preferably  thickets,  fence  rows,  patches  of  high  weeds  and  similar  places. 
It  breeds  generally  in  the  fields,  though  occasionally  in  ihickets  on  the  edge  of  wood- 
land; constructing  sometimes  a  domed  nest.  The  breeding  season  begins  in  May, 
and  some  years  continues  until  September;  a  young  bird  just  from  the  nest  having 
been  taken  by  Mr.  C.  E.  Bixler  on  September  5,  1887.  Two  or  three  broods  are  prob- 
ably reared. 

SUBFAMILY     TETRAONIN/E.     GROUSE. 
GENUS     BONASA.     STEPHENS. 

47.    Bonasa  umbellus    (LINN.). 
Ruffed  Grouse;    Pheasant, 

A  permanent  resident;  tolerably  common  in  some  portions  of  the  County,  but 
rare  in  others.  It  was  formerly  abundant  throughout  all  of  this  region,  but  during 
recent  years  has  steadily  diminished  in  numbers,  coincident  with  the  removal  of  the 
forests.  It  affects  chiefly  the  more  extensive  woodlands,  apparently  prefering  those 
portions  with  thick  undergrowth,  though  it  is  at  times  seen  even  in  small  tracts  of 
timber  which  aiTord  little  or  no  concealment.  The  males  mav  be  heard  drumming 
from  April  to  October. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


271 


Cn  Tune  9,  1891,  a  family  of  fourteen  downy  young  was  surprised  in  thick  woods. 
The  parent  bird,  without  manifesting  the  usual  solicitude  for  the  safety  of  its  young, 
flew  away  into  the  forest,  being  neither  again  seen  nor  heard  ;  thus  for  the  time  being 
apparently  deserting  her  brood.  The  young,  which  w<  re  all  huddled  close  together, 
immediately  began  to  separate,  and  though  closely  watched,  they  were  in  less  than 
one  minute  all  effectually  hidden. 

FAMILY  PHASIANID/E.     PHEASANTS,  ETC. 

SUBFAMILY  HELEAGRIN^E.     TURKEYS. 


GENUS  MELEAGRIS  LINNAEUS. 


48, 


Meleagris  gallopavo  (LINN.). 
Wild  Turkey. 


Formerly  a  resident,  breeding  in  suitable  situations  throughout  the  County.  It 
was  common  until  about  1865,  since  which  time  until  1878  it  gradually  became  of  less 
frequent  occurrence.  The  last  authentic  date  of  its  appearance  in  Wayne  County 
seems  to  be  December  31,  1878.  On  that  day  a  scattered  company  of  six  was  seen  by 
Mr.  Joseph  Housekeeper,  in  the  swampy  thickets  on  the  bottom-lands  four  miles 
south  of  Wooster;  the  birds  having  been  first  discovered  by  their  tracks  in  the  snow. 
From  the  condition  ot  the  ground  it  was  evident  that  they  had  been  in  the  vicinity 
for  several  days.  They  were  followed  by  other  hunters  also,  but  were  exceedingly 
wary,  and  only  a  single  bird  of  the  flock  was  finally  secured. 


ORDER  COLUMB^.     PIGEONS. 
FAMILY  COLUMBID>E.     PIGEONS. 
GENUS  ECTOPISTES   SWAINSON. 


PASSENGER    PIGEON,    MUCH    REDUCF  D. 


3     B.  W.  C. 


272 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


49.    Ectopistes  migratorius  (LINN.). 
Passenger  Pigeon. 

This  species  is  said  to  have  been  an  abundant  summer  resident  thirty  years  ago, 
atlthat  time  there  having  been  a  large  roost  in  Ne.vman's  Swamp.  By  the  clearing 
of  large  portions  of  the  swamp  the  Pigeons  were  driven  away,  but  until  about  1873 
single  pairs  were  to  be  found  breeding  in  the  vicinity  of  Orrville.  During  the  past 
twenty  years  the  species  has  been  of  only  casual  occurrence,  the  most  recent  dates  of 
capture  being  September  19,  1888,  and  August  30,  1892;  both  of  single  birds. 


GENUS  ZENAIDURA  BONAPARTE. 

50.     Zenaidura  macroura  (LINN.). 
Mourning  Dove. 


An  abundant  summer  resident ;  remaining  in  part  over  winter  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  weather,  being  probably  even  in  severe  seasons  to  be  found  in  suffi- 
ciently sheltered  localities,  it  moves  more  or  less  in  at  least  small  flocks  at  all  times 
of  the  year,  but  in  fall  and  winter  seldom  to  any  extent  otherwise.  Four  Mcurning 
Doves  were  observed  April  23,  1893,  feeding  in  a  meadow  among  a  flock  of  domestic 
pigeons.  The  same  four  individuals  were  subsequently  seen  upon  the  ground  in  the 
midst  of  a  flock  of  Red-winged  Blackbirds. 

This  species  begins  nest-building  early  in  April,  and  the  breeding  season  continues 
at  its  height  until  June.  The  nest  is  placed  almost  anywhere;  in  trees  or  bushes,  on 
stumps,  rail  fences,  but  only  occasionally  on  the  ground.  Of  fifty  nests  examined, 
only  two  were  more  than  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground,  while  three-fourths  of  the 
whole  number  were  not  at  a  greater  altitude  than  ten  feet.  An  old  Robin's  nest  is 
occasionally  utilized  as  a  foundation;  and  a  Mourning  Dove's  nest  was  noted  May  22, 
1892,  built  upon  the  abandoned  domicile  of  a  Brown  'Ihrasher. 

The  measurements  of  eight  nests  are  as  follows: 


No. 

height 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
aiamtt.-r. 

O  itside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1                     

3.50 

100 

3.00  x  3.00 

6  00  x  5.00 

l.OOx  0.75 

2       ...  ..         

8.00 

100 

3.CO  x  2  50 

6.00  x  5  00 

3  50  x  3  50 

v  500x  500 

2  00  x  0.75 

3             

2.50 

0.75 

2.T5  x  2.50 

6  00  x  5.CO 

2  00  x  0.75 

4          

400 

1.00 

3  00  x  3  CO 

7.00  x  600 

5       

500 

100 

360x  300 

7  00  x  5  75 

5  00  x  5.00 

2.00  x  2  00 

3.00  x  0.25 

(J 

2.00 

100 

2.75  x  2  25 

6  00  x  5  00 

7                                   

350 

2.CO 

3  50  x  3  00 

9  00  x  6  CO 

6  00  x  4  25 

5  00  x  3  00 

g                               

350 

1.2) 

3  50  x  3  00 

700  x  650 

7  00  x  4  50 

8  CO  x  4  50 

Average        .  ... 

S38 

1.  3 

314  x  278 

6   5  x  5  53 

538  x  4  31 

5  00  x  3  63 

2  CO  x  063 

Two  eggs  constitute  of  course  the  usual  complement,  but  three  eggs  have  twice 
been  found  :  April  27,  1890,  and  May  14,  1893.  ^  the  nest  contain  eggs  or  young  the 
parent  bird  often  in  her  actions  betrays  great  solicitude  for  the  safety  of  her  house- 
hold, fluttering  along  on  or  near  the  ground  for  a  considerable  distance  in  the  endeavor 
to  attract  to  herself  the  attention  of  the  real  or  supposed  intruder. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  273 

ORDER  RAPTORES.     BIRDS  OF   PREY. 
SUBORDER  SARCORHAMPHI.     AMERICAN  VULTURES. 
FAMILY  CATHARTID/E.     AMERICAN  VULTURES. 
GENUS  CATHARTES  II.LIGER. 

51.  Cathartes  aura  (LINN.). 
Turkey  Vulture. 

A  rare  summer  visitor,  although  apparently  common  in  Holmes  County,  only  a 
short  distance  farther  south.  It  is  seen  in  Wayne  County  generally  singly  or  in  pairs  ; 
and  on  several  different  occasions  individuals  have  been  taken,  some  of  which  are 
now  preserved  as  mounted  specimens. 

SUBORDER  FALCONES.     VULTURES,  FALCONS,   HAWKS,   ETC. 
FAMILY  FALCONID/C.     VULTURES,   FALCONS,  HAWKS,  ETC. 

SUBFAMILY  ACCIPITRIN/E.     KITES,    BUZZARDS,    HAWKS,   ETC. 

GENUS  CIRCUS  LA.CEPEDE. 

52.  Circus  hudsonius  (LINN.). 
Marsh  Hawk. 

Resident;  common  in  spring  and  fall,  but  less  frequently  observed  at  other 
seasons.  It  is  found  on  upland  as  well  as  on  the  bottoms,  though  apparently  prefer- 
ring the  latter  as  its  hunting  grounds.  A  nest  of  this  species  was  discovered  by  Mr. 
E.  N.  Freeman,  near  Orrville,  in  the  spring  of  1891.  It  was  on  the  ground  in  a 
meadow,  and  was  a  very  slight  affair.  It  contained  six  eggs. 

GENUS  ACCIPITER  BRISSON. 

SUBGBNUS  ACCIPITER. 

53.  Accipiter  velox  (WILS.) 
Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 

A  tolerably  common  resident;  apparently  of  most  frequent  occurrence  on  the 
bottom-lands.  It  ventures  occasionally  into  the  towns,  particularly  in  winter.  On 
January  9,  1893,  one  made  its  appearance  about  the  court-house  at  Wooster,  in  pursuit 
of  the  numerous  House  Sparrows  that  find  a  refuge  in  the  nooks  and  corners  of  the 
building.  On  February  i,  another  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  or  possibly  the  ?ame  individ- 
ual, was  seen  at  the  same  place.  Although  no  nests  of  this  species  have  been  found 
it  undoubtedly  breeds  in  the  County. 


274 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


COOPER'S  HAWK,  ABOUT  ONE-THIRD  NATURAL  SIZE. 

54.    Accipiter  cooperii  (BONAP.). 
Cooper's  Hawk. 

A  common  resident ;  oftener  observed  in  spring  than  at  any  other  season.  In 
the  winter  it  retreats  to  the  most  sheltered  portions  of  the  woods,  preferably  to  the 
vicinity  of  evergreens,  where  such  are  available,  and  seldom  during  the  severe  season 
venturing  far  abroad. 

Although  this  species  has  not  actually  been  found  breeding  in  the  County,  young 
unable  to  fly  have  been  captured  by  Mr.  Freeman. 

On  March  18,  1*891,  there  was  discovered  on  the  ground  in  a  sheltered  situation 
among  evergreens,  an  immature  female  Cooper's  Hawk,  which  was  from  some  cause 
other  than  a  wound  so  weak  that  it  was  unable  to  fly  or  even  to  make  more  than  the 
most  feeble  efforts  to  escape. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


275 


GENUS  BUTEO  CUVIER. 

55.    Buteo  borealis  (GMEL.). 
Red-tailed  Hawk. 

A  common  summer  resident;  much  less  numerous  in  winter.  It  breeds  chiefly 
on  the  uplands,  in  heavy  timber,  though  not  infrequently  near  the  edge  of  the  woods 
in  the  vicinity  of  a  human  habitation  or  a  well  travelled  road.  The  tree  chosen 
appears  to  be  generally  a  white  oak  (Quercus  alba};  though  nests  have  been  found 
in  the  pin  oak  (^xercns  palustris};  chestnut  (Castanea  dentata\  and  beech  {Fagus 
atropunicea}.  The  distance  of  the  nest  from  the  ground  varies  from  sixty  to  ninety 
feet,  but  is  generally  betwe  n  seventy  and  eighty-five  feet.  Old  nests  are  frequently 
reoccupied,  but  not  usually  in  successive  seasons. 

The  measurements  of  the  nest  of  this  species  given  by  Major  Chas.  E.  Bendire1 
are  apparently  too  small,  unless  these  Ohio  nests  are  exceptionally  large.  This  dis- 
crepancy is  especially  noticeable  in  the  depth  of  the  inner  cavity,  as  may  be  seen  by 
reference  to  the  dimensions  of  the  following  seven  nests,  measured  in  sitti: 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside 
top 

diameter. 

Inside 
midd;e 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

1 

1500 

750 

1500  x  14  OJ 

SCO  x  800 

36  00  x  36  00 

26  00  x  26  00 

14  00  x  14  00 

2 

1800 

6.00 

13  00  x  13  00 

33  00  x  27  00 

3 

2600 

500 

9  00  x    9  00 

6  00  x  6  00 

43  00  x  24  00 

3300  x  2400 

30  00  x  18  00 

4             .            ..... 

1800 

450 

12  00  x  12  00 

9  00  x  9  00 

36  00  x  17  00 

30  00  x  12  00 

14  00  x   8  00 

5      

1800 

400 

10  00  x    9  00 

7  00  x  6  00 

4200  x  2100 

30  00  x  15  00 

9  00  x    6  00 

6..   

1500 

600 

12  OD  x  12  00 

36.00  x  21  00 

7      .  .. 

3600 

700 

lOOOx    800 

6.00  x  6  00 

48  00  x  30  00 

42  00  x  30.00 

18  00  x  12.00 

Average  

20.86 

571 

11.57  x  1100 

7.23  x  7.00 

3914x2557 

32.20  x  21.40 

17.00  x  11  60 

The  eggs  are  usually  deposited  during  the  latter  half  of  March,  but  sometimes  as 
late  as  the  middle  of  April.  Two  or  three  eggs  constitute  a  complement,  the  former 
number  being  somewhat  the  more  common. 

On  April  21,  1891,  in  response  to  a  vigorous  rap  upon  a  tall  oak,  a  female  Red-tail 
left  her  nest  with  such  apparent  haste  and  carelessness  that  she  pushed  out  of  the 
nest  one  of  the  young  birds,  which  came  crashing  down  through  the  branches  to  the 
ground,  being  of  course  killed  by  the  fall.  This  young  bird  was  only  two  or  three 
days  old,  but  its  stomach  was  packed  with  remains  of  meadow  mice  (Microtus  penn- 
sylvanictis).  In  this  locality,  there  being  an  abundance  of  other  food,  the  Red-tailed 
Hawk  seldom  lays  tribute  upon  the  poultry  yards. 

56.    Buteo  lineatus  (GMEL.). 
Red-shouldered  Hawk. 

An  abundant  resident,  but  much  less  often  seen  during  the  winter  than  at  any 
other  season.  It  is  in  this  region  more  numerous  than  any  other  Hawk,  and  for 
comparison  with  the  Sparrow  and  Red-tailed  Hawks,  which  rank  next  in  abundance, 


1  Life  Histories  of  North  American  Birds  I,  1892,  p.  210. 


276 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


the  total  number  of  each  observed  in  1892  may  be  taken  as  a  fair  criterion.  These 
figures  are:  Red-shouldered  Hawk,  87;  Sparrow  Hawk,  37;  Red-tailed  Hawk,  27. 

The  Red-shouldered  Hawk  prefers  the  wooded  bottom-lands;  and  while  there  is 
scarcely  a  tract  of  lowland  woods  of  any  considerable  size  which  is  not  inhabited  by 
one  or  even  two  pairs  of  Buteo  lineatus,  yet  during  the  spring  and  summer  it  remains 
so  closely  within  its  haunts,  that  were  these  places  not  visited,  the  species  might  very 
readily  be  considered  much  less  abundant  than  is  really  the  case.  In  parts  of  the 
County  where  no  bottom-lands  exist,  the  Red-shouldered  Hawk  is  apparently 
less  numerous,  though  by  no  means  rare. 

The  eggs,  according  to  the  writer's  experience,  are  in  this  locality  somewhat  more 
commonly  four  than  three  in  number.  They  are  deposited  generally  between  the 
fifth  and  the  twentieth  of  April,  the  variation  in  different  seasons  being  apparently  not 
dependent  upon  the  mildness  or  severity  of  the  weather.  Young  in  the  nest  have 
been  observed  as  early  as  May  5.  Eggs  unmarked,  or  nearly  so,  occasionally  occur, 
although  these  are  somewhat  the  exception.  Eggs  in  different  stages  of  incubation  are 
not  infrequently  found  in  the  same  nest. 

This  species,  like  the  Red-tailed  Hawk,  manifests  little  inclination  to  defend  its 
nest  against  a  human  intruder,  but  usually  contents  itself  with  retreating  into  the 
woods,  or  at  most  soaring  about  high  overhead.  In  fact  the  writer  has  record  of  but 
a  single  instance  where  on  the  part  of  the  parent  bird  any  fierceness  was  exhibited, 
On  this  occasion,  the  female,  after  being  driven  from  the  nest  only  when  the  latter  was 
nearly  reached  in  climbing,  persisted  in  making  repeated  and  most  vicious  swoops  at 
the  disturber  of  her  peace,  until  forced  to  desist  by  the  approach  below  of  someone 
with  a  gun.  This  nest  contained  one  young  bird  just  hatched,  together  with  three 
eggs  in  which  incubation  was  nearly  completed.  Under  ordinary  circumstances  the 
female  leaves  the  nest  while  the  tree  is  being  approached,  but  sometimes,  especially  if 
incubation  be  advanced,  she  is  with  Considerable  difficulty  dislodged. 

Of  the  nest  of  the  Red-shouldered  Hawk,  the  dimensions  given  by  Major  Chas. 
E.  Bendire1  are,  as  in  the  case  of  the  preceding  species,  somewhat  too  small,  unless 
these  Ohio  nests  are  to  be  considered  exceptional.  The  measurements  of  ten  nests 
are  as  follows : 


No. 

Height 

Depth 

Inside 
top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
cf  rim. 

1  .. 

1800 

400 

S.OOx  7.00 

6.50  x  6.00 

30.00  x  24  00 

33  00  x  24.00 

24.00  x  '21.00 

2  

28.00 

3.00 

10.00  x  7.00 

7.03  x  5.00 

24  00  x  13  00 

30.00  x  18  00 

18.00  x  12.00 

3....  

1800 

4.00 

11.00x10.00 

33.0D  x  27.00 

27.00  x  18.00 

26.00  x  12.00 



4  

2100 

500 

8.50  x  7.00 

6.75  x  6.00 

26.00  x  18.00 

24.00  x  12.00 

18.00  x    5.00 



5  
6  

22.00 
1200 

400 
300 

7.50  x   7.50 
6.50  x   6.50 

6.00  x  5  60 
5.50  x  5.00 

24.00  x  22.00 
30.00  x  18.00 

31.00x28.00 
30.03  x  18.00 

24.00  x  12.00 
30.00  x  18.00 

15.00  x  3.50 

7  
8 

18.00 
2700 

3.00 
603 

750x  650 
650x   550 

6.50  x  5  50 
6  50  x  5  50 

2900x22.00 
28  00  x  26  00 

29.00  x  22.00 
36  00  x  94.00 

15X0x1  2.00 

12.00  x  5.59 

9 

1800 

500 

1400x1100 

33.00  x  24  00 

33.00  x  24.03 

18  00  x  12.00 

10  

21.00 

600 

9.00  x  8.00 

7.00  x  6.50 

30  00  x  19.00 

33.00  x  14.00 

27.00  x    7.00 



Average... 

2030 

430 

8.85  x  7.60 

6.47  x  5.63 

28.70  x  21.30 

30.60  x  20  20 

22/22  x  12.33 



From  a  comparison  of  the  above  measurements  with  those  of  the  nest  of  Buleo 
borealis  it  will  be  seen  that  while  the  nest  of  the  latter  is  considerably  greater  in 
diameter,  it  is  very  little  higher  than  the  nest  of  B.  lineatus,  but  has  nevertheless  a 


1  Life  Histories  of  North  American  Birds  I,  1892,  p.  221. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  277 

somewhat  deeper  inner  cavity.  According  to  the  writer's  observation,  the  nest  of  B. 
borealis  is,  moreover,  on  the  average  much  better  finished  inside,  very  frequently  being 
lined  with  a  quantity  of  grapevine  bark  closely  matted  together;  while  on  the  other 
hand  some  nests  of  Buleo  lineatus  are  merely  loose  collections  of  sticks  and  twigs, 
with  very  little  lining,  and  so  nearly  flat  that  the  eggs  seem  in  danger  of  being  thrown 
from  the  nest. 

1  he  elm  (  Ulmus  Americana}  seems  to  be  most  frequently  chosen  as  a  site  for  the 
nest,  but  the  following  trees  have  been  observed  also  thus  utilized,  viz. :  maples 
{Acer  rubrum  et  Saccharum),  beech  (Fagus  atropunicea},  walnut  (Juglans  nigra], 
oak  (Quercus  alba}  and  ash  (Fraxinus  sp.f1). 

In  this  locality  the  same  nest  appears  to  be  seldom  occupied  two  years  in  succes- 
sion, even  though  the  birds  be  not  disturbed.  Wherever  the  nest  of  a  Red-shouldered 
Hawk  is  found,  a  nest  of  the  Crow  is  reasonably  certain  to  be  situated  in  the  immediate 
vicinity,  a  circumstance  not  observed  in  connection  with  any  other  species  of  Rap- 
tores,  and  which,  considering  the  apparent  animosity  existing  between  the  two  species 
in  question,  is  perhaps  not  easily  explained. 

In  a  nest  from  which  eggs  were  taken  April  24,  1892,  there  was  noticed  a  small 
quantity  of  the  claws  and  shells  of  crustaceans,  probably  the  remains  of  a  recent  meal. 

Two  young  Red-shouldered  Hawks  taken  from  the  nest  when  about  four  weeks 
old,  were,  after  a  confinement  of  two  months  and  a  half,  killed  to  serve  as  specimens. 
The  stomach  of  one  of  these  birds  was  found  to  be  distended  to  its  utmost  capacity  by 
a  compact  mass  of  excelsior  packing,  with  which  the  floor  of  the  cage  had  been 
covered.  This  indigestible  material  had  evidently  been  taken  into  the  stomach  by 
having  adhered  to  the  food  eaten,  but  how  the  bird  would  have  disposed  of  the  mass 
might  be  interesting  to  have  determined. 

57.  Buteo  latissimus  (\VILS.). 
Broad-winged  Hawk. 

Rare;  probably  a  summer  resident.  Only  two  records  are  at  present  available: 
that  of  an  adult  shot  on  the  grounds  of  the  State  Agricultural  Experiment  Station  at 
Wooster,  July  4,  1893;  and  one  seen  about  six  miles  north  of  this  place  on  July  9  of 
the  same  year. 

GENUS  ARCHIBUTEO  BREHM 

58.  Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis  (GMEL.). 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 

A  rare  winter  visitor.  It  has  been  observed  usually  during  the  months  of  March 
and  April,  and  seldom  anywhere  excepting  on  the  bottom-lands.  It  has  not  been 
noted  later  than  April. 

•» 

GENUS  AQUILA  BRISSON. 

59.  Aquila  chrysaetos  (LINN.). 
Golden  Eagle. 

A  rare  and  irregular  winter  visitor.  The  most  recent,  and  so  far  as  the  writer  is 
aware,  the  only  authentic  date  of  its  capture  with  n  the  borders  of  the  County,  is 


278 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


November  10,  1891.  This  bird,  an  immature  male  in  fine  plumage,  was  killed  in  a 
wooded  ravine  near  the  southern  boundary  of  the  County  by  a  farmer  resident  in  the 
vicinity. l 

GENUS  HAXIffiETUS  SAVIGNY. 


BALD  EAGLE,  GREATLY  REDUCED. 

60.  Haliseetus  leucocephalus  (LINN.). 
Bald  Eagle. 

Undoubtedly  in  former  years  of  more  frequent  occurrence,  but  at  the  present 
time  it  is  only  an  occasional  visitor.  A  specimen  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  House- 
keeper was  taken  not  far  from  Wooster,  about  the  year  1886.  The  large  Hawks,  and 
sometimes  even  the  Turkey  Vulture,  are  here  not  seldom  mistaken  for  the  present 
species ;  and  an  investigation  of  most  of  the  tales  of  "eagles"  seen,  has  proven  them 
to  be  similar  misidentifications. 

SUBFAMILY     FALCONIN/E.     FALCONS. 

GENUS  FALCO  LINN^US 

SUBGENUS  RHYNCHODON    NITZSCH. 

61.  Falco  p^regrinus  anatum  (BOXAP.). 
Duck  Hawk. 

Very  rare;  a  single  specimen  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  E.  N.  Freeman  is  the  only 
one  known  to  have  been  taken  in  the  County.  This  bird,  a  very  fine  adult,  was  secured 
early  in  the  autumn  of  1885,  along  a  creek  in  the  vicinity  of  Orrville.  When  first 


1  Auk  IX,  1892,  p.  200. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  279 

observed  it  was  engaged  in  pursuing  Mourning  Doves,  which  were  there  quite 
numerous;  its  method  being  to  remain  quietly  perched  on  a  limb  until  one  came 
within  range,  then  giving  chase,  sometimes  for  a  long  distance.  The  Doves,  however, 
being  swift  of  fl'-ght,  almost  invariably  succeeded  in  finally  eluding  their  pursuer,  for 
if  too  closely  pressed,  they  would,  while  in  full  flight,  suddenly  close  their  wings  and 
drop  as  if  shot  into  the  dense  underbrush,  whither  of  course  the  Hawk  would  not  fol- 
low. 

SUBGENUS  ^ESALON    KAUP. 

62     Falco  columbarius  (LINN.). 
)  igeon  Hawk. 

Apparently  rare;  added  to  the  list  on  the  strength  of  a  single  mounted  specimen 
in  the  collection  of  Prof.  S.  S.  Milligan,  of  Wooster.  In  regard  to  this  specimen  there 
are  unfortunately  no  data  available,  beyond  the  mere  fact  of  its  having  been  shot  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  town.  A  Hawk  seen  October  16,  1891,  on  the  bottom-lands  along 
the  Kill  buck,  was  probably  of  this  species,  though  its  identity  was  not  positively  de- 
termined. 

SUBGENUS  TINNUNCULUS    VIEILLOT. 

63.  Falco  sparverius  (LINN). 
American  Sparrow  Hawk. 

Abundant;  with  the  exception  of  Buteo  lineatus  the  most  numerous  Hawk.  It  is 
resident,  excepting  perhaps  in  very  severe  winters,  but  is  always  more  frequent  in 
spring  and  summer  than  at  other  seasons,  the  migrant  portion  returning  north  during 
the  latter  part  of  February  or  early  in  March. 

Nidification  takes  place  in  April,  and  the  young  are  hatched  usually  about  the 
third  week  in  May.  The  situation  chosen  for  the  nest  is  either  a  natural  cavity  or  an 
old  Woodpecker's  excavation,  usually  from  thirty-five  to  sixty-five  feet  from  the 
ground.  It  is  commonly  in  the  dead  top  of  a  living  tree,  though  sometimes  in  a  tree 
wholly  dead  and  even  tottering  from  decay. 

A  Sparrow  Hawk  was  captured  November  9,  1893,  in  the  building  of  the  Wooster 
High  School,  where  it  had  apparently  flown  for  shelter.  A  bird  of  this  species  was 
observed  on  April  3,  1894,  to  pick  up  and  fly  away  with  a  snake  fully  eighteen  inches 
in  length,  and  so  heavy  as  to  be  with  evident  difficulty  carried. 

SUBFAMILY  PANDIONIN/E.     OSPREYS. 
GENUS  PANDION  SAVIGNY. 

64.  Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis  (GMEL.). 
American  Osprey;  Fish  Hawk. 

A  rare  summer  visitor ;  perhaps  in  former  years  morecomman.  It  has  occasion- 
ally been  seen  singly  or  in  pairs,  fishing  on  the  larger  bodies  of  water,  but  is  not  at 
the  present  time  of  regular  occurrence. 


280  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

SUBORDER  STRIGES.     OWLS. 
FAMILY  STRIQID/E.     BARN  OWLS. 
GENUS  STRIX  LINNAEUS. 

65.  Strix  pratincola  (BONAP.). 
American  Barn  Owl. 

Rare;  observed  only  in  winter.  A  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  writer  was 
shot  by  a  farmer  near  Wooster,  February  2,  1892.  Another  specimen  now  in  the 
possession  of  Mr.  George  Faber,  and  obtained  during  the  same  winter,  about  two 
miles  from  where  the  other  bird  was  killed,  is  much  paler,  the  ground  color  of  the 
plumage  being  almost  white.  These  two  are  the  only  individuals  known  to  have  been 
taken  in  the  County. 

Although  there  are  more  or  less  numerous  instances  of  the  occurrence  of  this 
species  in  Michigan,  Indiana,  northern  Pennsylvania,  southern  Ontario  and  southern 
Ohio,  the  only  other  published  records  for  the  last  named  State  north  of  Columbus- 
seem  to  be  as  follows :  (i)  Prof.  A.  J.  Cook,1  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  E.  L.  Moseley, 
speaks  of  the  Barn  Owl  as  "common  at  Sandusky;"  (2)  Mr.  A.  Hall2  mentions  one 
taken  at  East  Rockport  near  Cleveland;  and  (3)  Mr.  Carl  Tuttle3  records  the  capture 
of  a  single  specimen  in  Erie  County. 

FAMILY  BUBONID.4E.     HORNED  OWLS,  ETC. 
GENUS  ASIO   BRISSON. 

66.  Asio  wilsonianus  (LESS.). 
American  Long-eared  Owl. 

A  rare  summer  resident ;  tolerably  common  in  fall  and  winter,  though  not  gener- 
ally so  numerous  as  the  next  species.  The  only  record  of  summer  capture  is  a  single 
specimen  taken  near  Orrville  in  1887,  by  Mr.  Ellsworth  N.  Freeman,  under  circum- 
stances which  would  suggest  its  having  nested  in  the  vicinity. 

67.  Asio  accipitrinus  (PALL.). 
Short-eared  Owl ;  Meadow  Owl. 

A  common  winter  visitor;  occurring  singly,  in  pairs,  or  in  small  flocks.  While  it 
is  perhaps  a  rare  summer  resident,  the  writer  has  no  record  of  its  presence  during 
that  season.  The  extensive  meadows  and  swamps  on  the  lowlands  form  its  favorite 
hunting  grounds,  though  it  is  found  also  on  the  uplands.  On  account  of  its  low  soar- 
ing flight  when  flushed  by  day  it  is  an  easy  mark  for  hunters  and  the  gun  of  the  small 
boy,  many  being  thus  killed  every  winter.  Stomachs  of  specimens  examined  con- 
tained only  meadow  mice  (Mtcrotus  pennsylvanicus). 


1  Birds  of  Michigan,  Edition  I    18^3,  p    67. 
»  Forest  and  Stream  XXVI,  1886,  p.  446. 
3  Auk  XII,  1895,  p.  191. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  281 

GENUS  SYRNIUM  SAVIGNY. 


68.     Syrnium  nebulosum  (FORST.)- 
Barred  Owl. 


A  common  resident;  frequents  chiefly  the  wooded  swamps  and  lowlands,  in 
which  localities  it  breeds. 

On  May  9,  1893,  the  writer  obtained  from  a  nest  in  the  hollow  top  of  the  trunk  of 
a  huge  beech,  two  young  of  this  species,  which  \vere  apparently  about  three  and  a  half 
weeks  old.  From  some  unknown  cause,  one  of  them  died  a  few  days  later,  but  the 
other  was  kept  in  confinement  for  more  than  a  year.  It  was  allowed  the  freedom  of  a 
small  poultry  house,  the  glass  sides  of  which  seemed  to  be  to  it  a  continual  enigma. 
Nearly  always  when  its  abode  was  entered  it  would  fly  against  the  glass,  only  of 
course  to  fall  to  the  ground.  Its  favorite  perch  was  an  old  wire  cage  upon  which 
were  several  boards  so  placed  that  they  slanted  upwards  to  about  five  feet  above  the 
ground,  and  on  the  highest  part  of  this  the  Owl  spent  most  of  its  time.  Though  not 
at  all  vicious,  it  nevertheless  resented  any  familiarity,  and  vigorously  protested  against 
being  touched.  Its  food  consisted  principally  of  raw  beef,  of  which  it  consumed  about 
six  ounces  per  day.  It  was,  however,  quite  fastidious  as  to  diet  and  would  touch  no 
spoiled  meat  unless  absolutely  obliged  by  hunger.  A  Pied-billed  Grebe  in  the  incip- 
ient stages  of  decomposition,  though  offered  to  the  Owl  after  a  three  days'  fast,  was 
reluctantly  tasted,  and  only  a  portion  of  the  neck  eaten.  Boiled  meat  was  evidently 
not  relished,  being  persistently  refused. 


GENUS  NYCTALA  BREHM. 

69.  Nyctala  acadica  (GMEL.). 
Saw-whet  Owl. 

A  rare  resident ;  rather  more  frequently  met  with  during  the  winter  than  at  other 
seasons.  Mr.  E.  N.  Freeman  states  that  it  is  sometimes  not  uncommon  in  winter  in 
the  vicinity  of  Orrville ;  and  its  nocturnal  habits  may  to  some  extent  account  for  its 
apparent  rarity  in  other  parts  of  the  County.  The  capture  of  a  summer  specimen  by 
the  same  gentleman  indicates  the  probability  of  its  nidification  here,  but  actual  proof 
of  the  same  has  not  been  obtained. 

GENUS  MEGASCOPS  KAUP. 

70.  Megascops  asio  (LINN.). 
Screech  Owl. 

Resident;  the  most  common  of  the  Owls.  Almost  every  large  tract  of  woodland 
shelters  at  least  one  pair,  and  the  species  may  also  be  frequently  found  about  the 
farm-houses,  as  well  as  on  the  outskirts  of  the  towns. 


282  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


Just  at  dusk  on  August  25,  1890,  in  a  tract  of  bottom  woodland,  the  writer 
wounded  a  Screech  Owl  with  a  charge  of  dust  shot.  It  fell,  but  caught  with  its  feet 
a  limb  and  there  clung  until  dislodged  by  a  stick,  when  with  wings  spread  it  sailed 
down  and  took  refuge  in  a  partially  decayed  stump.  Although  seen  to  enter  the 
stump,  a  close  search  of  fully  fifteen  minutes  was  necessary  to  discover  its  hiding 
place.  So  closely  had  it  pressed  itself  into  a  cavity  in  the  wood  that  remaining 
motionless,  and  aided  by  its  peculiar  coloration,  it  was  overlooked  at  least  half  a  dozen 
times,  though  in  plain  sight  all  the  while. 

The  stomach  of  a  specimen  examined  contained  remains  of  the  white-footed 
mouse  {Peromyscus  leucopus},  and  of  an  unidentifiable  Sparrow. 

Of  twenty-eight  specimens  from  the  County,  fourteen  are  gray,  thirteen  are  in 
the  red  phase,  and  one  is  in  the  rarer  intermediate  plumage.  This  last  specimen  has 
the  general  color  of  the  upper  parts  mummy  brown,  the  principal  color  markings 
below  being  reddish  brown. 


GENUS  BUBO  DUMERIL. 


GREAT  HORNED  OWL,  MUCH  REDUCED. 

71.    Bubo  virginianus  (GMEL.). 
Great  Horned  Owl. 

A  tolerably  common  resident;  apparently  most  numerous  during  the  fall  and 
winter,  being  found  in  nearly  all  wooded  districts  of  the  County.  It  is  here  generally 
regarded  as  injurious,  and  is  consequently  killed  whenever  occasion  offers.  It  is  not 
infrequently  captured  alive,  and  is  perhaps  thus  taken  oftener  than  any  other  Owl. 


'I  HE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


283 


GENUS  NYCTEA  STEPHENS. 


SNOWY  OWL,  GREATLY  REDUCED. 


72.    Nyctea  Nyctea  (LiNN.). 
Snowy  Owl. 


A  rare  and  irregular  winter  visitor.  One  caught  near  Wooster  a  number  of 
years  ago  was  for  several  months  maintained  in  confinement,  its  chief  diet  consisting 
of  raw  liver.  A  fine  adult  specimen  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  Blandford,  was 
secured  in  the  northern  part  of  the  County,  in  January,  1878.  There  are  records  of 
two  others  taken  during  the  same  winter,  one  of  which  was  shot  at  night  from  the  top 
of  a  chimney  in  Wooster.  This  specimen  is  now  in  the  museum  of  Wooster 
University. 


284 


OHIO   EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


ORDER  COCCYGES.     CUCKOO?,  ETC. 

SUBORDER  CUCULI.     CUCKOOS,   ETC. 
FAMILY  CUCULID/E.     CUCKOOS,   ANIS,   ETC. 

SUBFAMILY  COCCYQIN/E.     AMERICAN  CUCKOOS. 

GENUS  COCCYZUS   VIFILLOT. 


YELLOW-BILLED    CUCKOO.    ONE-HALF    NATURAL    SIZE. 

73.    Coccyzus  americanus  (LiNx.). 
Yellow-billed  Cuckoo. 

A  common  summer  resident.  It  appears  in  May,  the  tenth  of  this  month  being 
the  earliest  date;  and  though  ordinarily  not  much  observed  after  the  middle  of  Sep- 
tember, has  been  noted  as  late  as  October  19,  ( 1892). 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


285 


It  frequents  principally  the  woods,  thickets  and  orchards,  breeding  visually  in  one 
of  the  two  last  named  localities.  Three  or  four  eggs  constitute  in  this  vicinity  the 
normal  complement.  The  breeding  season  continues  commonly  from  the  first  of  June 
to  the  middle  of  July,  but  the  following  exceptional  dates  have  been  noted.  A  nest 
containing  four  perfectly  fresh  eggs  was  discovered  on  August  17,  1890;  and  on  Sep- 
tember 13  of  the  same  year,  another  nest  containing  two  unincubated  eggs  was  found 
not  over  forty  feet  from  the  one  taken  a  month  before. 

Four  nests  measure  respectively  as  follows: 


No. 

Seight. 

Depth 

Inside 

top 

diameter. 

I  aside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  

4.00 

175 

3  50  x  3  ->5 

3lOx  300 

6  50  x  6  00 

5  50  x  5  50 

5  00  x  3  00 

2  00  x  0  50 

2  

5.50 

1.53 

3  50  x  3.00 

2.75  x  2.50 

8.00  x  6.00 

7.50  x  5  50 

3.50  x  3  50 

3.00  x  0  50 

3  

3.00 

1.50 

3  25  x  3.25 

3  CO  x  2.50 

8.00  x  5.00 

6.50  x  4.0D 

5  00  x  2.75 

2.50  x  0.38 

4  

350 

1  00 

3.50  x  8  50 

8  00  x  8  00 

A  verage  .. 

400 

1.44 

3  44  x  3.25 

2.92  x  2.00 

7.63  x  6.25 

6.50  x  5  00 

4  50  x  3.08 

2.50  x  0  46 

On  June  10, 1891,  a  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  was  found  dead  upon  the  front  porch  of  a 
house  on  the  outskirts  of  Wooster.  Appearances  indicated  that  the  bird  had  been 
killed  by  flying  against  the  door,  as  examination  revealed  the  absence  of  any  wound, 
and  dissection  showed  it  to  be  apparently  in  healthy  condition. 

The  peculiar  notes  of  this  species  are  occasionally  heard  at  night. 

74     Coccyzus  erythrophtbalmus  (WILS.). 
Black -billed  Cuckoo. 

A  transient  visitor;  sometimes  tolerably  common  in  the  spring,  but  apparently 
rare  in  autamn.  From  the  fact  that  this  species  is  so  common  a  summer  resident  in 
parts  of  the  State,  it  may  seem  strange  that  it  should  not  be  so  listed  in  this  locality, 
but  the  most  careful  search  has  failed  to  reveal  its  presence,  except  from  May  9  to  22, 
and  on  September  27,  1891.  Future  investigations  may  perhaps  show  it  to  be  present 
•during  the  breeding  season. 

SUBORDER  ALCYONES.     KINGFISHERS. 

FAMILY  ALCEDINID>E.     KINGFISHERS. 

GENUS  CERYLE  BOIE. 

SUBGENUS  STREPTOCERYLE  BONAPARTE. 


75.    Ceryle  alcyon  (LINN.). 
Belted  Kingfisher. 

A  common  summer  resident ;  occurring  along  all  the.  larger  streams.     It  arrives 
ifrom  the  south  in  March;  remaining  until  by  the  freezing  of  the  watercourses  in  the 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


fall  it  is  unable  to  obtain  its  food.  During  open  winters  a  few  usually  remain 
throughout  the  entire  season.  It  is  ordinarily  not  seen  far  from  water,  and  for  nest- 
ing purposes  it  selects  the  bank  of  a  stream.  The  eggs  are  deposited  usua.ly  before 
the  middle  of  May,  and  are,  when  the  complement  is  complete,  six  or  seven  in  number. 
Occupied  nests  have  been  observed  from  May  17  to  June  15 ;  that  on  the  former  date 
containing  egts  one-fourth  incubated,  that  on  the  latter  five  fully  feathered  young. 
The  young  in  this  nest  were  ranged  in  a  row  across  the  chamber  at  the  inner  extrem- 
ity of  the  burrow,  and  were  crowded  close  together,  all  facing  the  en*rance,  thus  from 
without  presenting  quite  an  odd  appearance  The  burrow  is  usually  three  or  four 
feet  in  length,  sometimes  straight,  but  generally  diverted  horizontally  at  a  greater  or 
less  angle 

The  measurements  of  four  nests  result  as  follows : 


No. 

Total  length 
of  burrow. 

Diameter  c  f 
burrow. 

Lergth  of 
chamber. 

Width  of 
chamber. 

Height  of 
chamber. 

1  
2 

48.00 
5600 

4.00  x  3  00 
3  50  x  3.00 

1303 
1000 

1200 
875 

500 
600 

3 

4100 

4.00  x  3.50 

675 

1200 

700 

4  

57  CO 

3.25x300 

9(0 

1100 

600 

Average  

50.50 

3.69x3.13 

9  09 

1094 

6.00 

In  all  the  nests  that  have  been  examined,  the  eggs  were  deposited  in  the  enlarge- 
ment at  the  extremity  of  the  passage,  upon  a  quantity  of  fish  bones,  fish  scales, 
and  sometimes  remains  of  crustaceans.  The  Kingfisher's  habit  of  constructing  its  nest 
of  twigs,  grass,  feathers,  etc.,  mentioned  by  Wilson,  Gentry  and  some  other  writers, 
seems  to  be  the  exception  rather  than  the  rule,  or  at  least  to  a  considerable  degree  a 
local  occurrence. 

Madame  Ceryle  is,  when  sitting,  difficult  to  dislodge  from  her  nest,  and  snaps 
viciously  at  anything  that  comes  within  her  reach.  A  lighted  match  fastened  to  the 
end  of  a  stick  and  thrust  into  the  nest  is  invariably  picked  at  until  extinguished.  She 
usually  remains  while  the  digging  out  of  the  nest  is  in  progress,  attempting  to  escape 
only  as  the  chamber  containing  the  eggs  is  ne-ared,  sometimes  even  then  refusing  to 
leave  until  removed  by  force. 


ORDER  PICI.     WOODPECKERS,  WRYNECKS,  ITC. 
FAMILY  PICID>E.     WOODPECKERS. 

GENUS  DRYOBATES  BOIE. 
76     Dryobates  villosus  (LINN.). 

Hairy  Woodpecker. 

A  common  resident ;  more  numerous  in  fall  and  winter  than  at  other  seasons. 
There  is  in  this  locality  apparently  a  remarkable  predominance  of  females,  since  out 
of  a  series  of  fourteen  specimens,  taken  principally  during  fall  and  winter,  only  three  are 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  287 


males  ;  and  this  ratio  seems  to  be  fairly  constant  so  far  as  observation  of  living  birds  can 
determine.  The  favorite  haunts  of  this  species  are,  in  fall  and  winter,  the  woods  of  the 
bottom-lands,  but  where  such  places  are  not  available  it  frequents  fully  as  numerously 
the  upland  forests;  being  of  regular  occurrence  throughout  the  County.  It  is  not 
uncommonly  found  along  fencerows  in  the  open  country,  in  thickets,  or  even  or- 
chards, but  is  scarcely  ever  to  be  seen  in  the  towns,  except  during  the  late  fall  and 
winter  months.  Both  this  and  the  following  species  have  at  times  been  noticed  to 
repeatedly  perch  on  limbs  crosswise,  after  the  manner  of  Sparrows  or  other  passerine 
birds. 

The  Hairy  Woodpecker  breeds  generally  in  the  most  secluded  portions  of  the 
forests.  '  A  nest  found  May  3.  1891,  in  moist  woodland  along  Killbuck  Creek,  was  in 
the  solid  living  wood  of  a  swamp  hickory,  (HicA oria  minima}.  It  contained  young 
-about  two-thirds  fledged. 


DOWNY    WOODPECKKR,    NATURAL    SIZE. 


77.    Dryobates  pubescens  (LINN.). 
Downy  Woodpecker;  "  Sapsucker." 


An  abundant  resident,  though  apparently  less  common  in  spring  and  summer 
than  at  other  seasons.  It  occurs  everywhere,  but  seems  to  affect  most  numerously, 
especially  in  winter,  the  woods  of  the  bottom-lands.  At  that  season  it  is  frequently 
found  associated  with  the  following  species  :  Certhia  familiaris  americana,  Sitta 
carolinensis,  Parus  bicolor,  Parus  atricapillus,  Regulus  satrapa,  and  Dryobates 
villosus. 

Like  the  last  species,  the  Downy  Woodpecker  is  not  often  seen  in  the  towns,  ex- 
cept during  the  fall  and  winter  months.  It  breeds  usually  in  May,  exhibiting  as  to 
locality  a  decided  preference  for  the  woods' on  the  bottoms,  where  such  lands  exist, 
although  it  sometimes  nests  in  orchards. 

Most  authors  mention  the  complement  of  eggs  deposited  by  the  Downy  Wood- 
pecker as  from  four  to  six ;  of  a  larger  number  the  only  record  that  the  present  writer 
has  been  able  to  discover  being  by  Worthington,1  who  secured  one  set  of  seven  eggs. 
A  set  also  of  seven  was  collected  by  the  writer  near  Wooster,  May  22,  1891.  The  nest 
was  situated  in  a  tract  of  woods  on  the  swampy  lowlands  along  Killbuck'  Creek.  It 
was  excavated  twenty-four  feet  from  the  ground  in  the  outer  (or  under)  side  of  the 
remaining  stub  of  a  dead  limb.  It  was  much  narrowed  towards  the  bottom, 


1  Ornithologist  and  Oologist  VI,  1881,  p.  43. 

4     B.  W.  C. 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


apparently  to  avoid  breaking  into  an  abandoned  Woodpecker's  excavation 
from  which  even  then  it  was  separated  by  only  a  very  thin  partition.  Its  dimensions 
are  given  herewith : 


Depth  from 
entrance. 

Diameter  'of 
entrance. 

Diameter  at 
top. 

Diameter  at 
entrance. 

Diameter  at 
bottom. 

6.00 

1.25 

3.00  x  2.50 

.  3.50x8.25 

3.50  x  2.00 

The  eggs  from  this  nest  exhibit  a  remarkable  difference  in  size,  as  will  be  seen  from 
the  following  measurements  (in  inches),  viz. :  .81  x.65,  . Sox. 63,  .77x.63,  -77X.62,  .71  x 
•59»  -67  x  -53»  -55  x  -49-  They  were  all  in  varying  stages  of  incubation  ;  the  four  largest 
being  approximately  one-half  incubated ;  the  fifth  in  size,  about  one-fourth ;  and  the 
two  smallest  nearly  fresh.  This  variation  in  the  incubation  of  eggs  in  the  same  nest 
has  been,  in  the  case  of  Dryobates  pubescens,  observed  by  the  writer  in  also  another 
instance,  but  so  far  at  least  as  may  be  inferred  from  the  accounts  of  the  nesting  of  the 
species  published  by  other  observers,  it  does  not  seem  to  be  a  common  occurrence. 
Both  sexes  assist  in  the  duties  of  incubation. 

Specimens  of  the  Downy  Woodpecker,  as  well  as  of  some  other  birds  from  this 
locality,  are  frequently  found  to  have  the  plumage  of  the  under  par:s  much  soiled 
from  contact  with  the  bark  of  the  trees. 

GENUS  SPHRYAPICUS  BAIRD. 


YELLOW-BELLIED    SAPSUCKER,    NATURAL    SIZE. 


78.    Sphryapicus  varius  (LINN.). 
Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker. 

A  common  spring  transient,  but  apparently  rare  in  autumn.  It  is  not  usually  ob- 
served in  winter,  but  a  specimen  was  taken  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Henderson,  near  Woosterr 
January  i,  1890.  It  appears  generally  between  the  second  and  eighth  of  April,  and 
commonly  disappears  before  the  middle  of  May.  It  has  been  noticed  in  fall  only 
twice :  September  27,  1891,  and  October,  2, 1892.  It  seems  in  this  locality  to  prefer 
the  bottom  woodlands,  where  it  is  sometimes  seen  in  company  with  other  Wood- 
Deckers. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  289 

On  July  12,  1891,  the  writer  discovered  in  a  wooded  ravine  near  Wooster,  four 
immature  birds  of  this  species,  which  had  without  reasonable  doubt  been  reared  in 
the  immediate  vicinity.  An  adult  was  also  on  the  same  date  seen  in  a  neighboring 
orchard.  This  is  apparently  the  first  definite  record  of  the  breeding  of  the  species  in 
Ohio,  although  Wheaton  mentions1  having  observed  in  May  a  pair  of  these  birds  at 
work  upon  a  nest  wrhich  was  subsequently  deserted. 

In  spring  the  drumming  of  the  Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker  may  usually  be  easily 
recognized  by  the  following  peculiarities.  Four  or  five  taps  given  in  quick  succession 
are  followed  by  a  short  pause,  this  being  soon  succeeded  by  two  short  quick  taps ; 
then  another  pause,  and  two  more  taps  in  somewhat  less  rapid  succession  than  the 
first ;  followed  by  yet  another  pause,  and  two  additional  taps  still  a  little  slower. 
This  is  sometimes  slightly  varied  with  regard  to  the  number  of  taps;  and  occasionally 
also  the  latter  part  consists  only  of  single  quick  taps  with  an  increasing  interval  to- 
ward the  last.  The  two  most  common  forms  may  be  crudely  represented  as  follows: 
—  —  __  and ~  -  - 

GENUS  CEOPHLCEUS    CABANIS. 

79.  Ceophlceus  pileatus   (LINN.). 
Pileated  Woodpecker. 

This  was  formerly  a  common  species  in  the  heavily  timbered  lands  throughout 
most  of  the  County,  but  with  the  clearing  of  the  extensive  forests  it  gradually  dis- 
appeared, having  been  very  rare  for  the  past  twenty-five  or  thirty  years.  Mr.  Joseph 
Housekeeper  informs  me  that  the  last  specimen  taken  in  the  County,  so  far  as  he  Js 
aware,  was  shot  about  1883. 

GENUS  MELANERPES  SWAINSON. 

SUBGENUS  MELANERPES. 

80.  Melanerpes  erythrocephalus   (LINN.). 
Red -headed  Woodpecker. 

An  abundant  summer  resident  from  the  last  of  March  until  October ;  a  few 
sometimes  remain  during  mild  winters.  It  frequents  forests,  orchards  and  fields, 
nesting  in  almost  any  suitable  situation.  The  dead  top  of  any  large  tree,  or  any 
apple  tree  with  a  large  dead  limb,  is  pretty  sure  to  sooner  or  later  contain  the  nest  of 
a  Red-headed  Woodpecker.  The  first  mentioned  situation  is  often  tenanted  by  both 
this  species  and  the  Flicker,  the  nests  being  sometimes  in  the  same  limb,  and  within 
a  few  feet  of  each  other.  But  in  even  this  close  proximity  the  birds  live  in  apparently 
perfect  harmony. 

The  breeding  season  continues  usually  from  about  the  middle  of  May  until  the 
first  of  July,  being  at  its  height  during  the  last  week  in  May  and  the  first  week  of 
June.  The  number  of  eggs  is  usually  four  or  five,  not  often  six.  They  are  sometimes 
found  to  be  in  varying  stages  of  incubation.  The  nests  whi-h  have  been  observed 
ranged  from  twelve  to  seventy  feet  from  the  ground. 


i  Geological  Survey  of  Ohjo  IV,  1882,  p.  399. 


290 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


The  measurements  obtained  from  four  nests  are  herewith  given 


No. 

Total  depth. 

Diameter  of 
entrance. 

Diameter  at 
entrance. 

Diameter  at 
middle. 

Diameter  at 
bottom. 

j 

10.00 

2  25  x  2  13 

4  CO  x  2  25 

4.00  x  4.00 

4  63  x  3  50 

2 

1050 

1.75  x  1.63 

4  00  x  2  CO 

4  00  x  4.00 

4.50  x  4  00 

3....^^.  
4  

11.00 
1150 

2.00x1.38 
2  25  x  1  50 

3  50  x  3.00 
3  75  x  3  50 

500x8.£0 
500  X400 

4.00  x  2.50 
4  50  x  3  38 

Average 

1075 

2  06  x  1  66 

3  81  x  2  69 

4  50  x  3  88 

4  41  x  3  35 

The  parent  bird  is  under  ordinary  "circumstances  easily  dislodged  from  the  nest, 
but  occasionally  is  quite  obstinate  in  this  particular.  The  Red-headed  Woodpecker 
sometimes'attacks  other  birds  which  approach  too  closely  its  nesting  place.  On  one 
occasion  three  of  these  Woodpeckers  were  observed  to  utterly  rout  a  Red -tailed 
Hawk. 

SUBGEXUS  CENTURUS    SWAINSON. 


RED-BELLIED    WOODPECKER,   REDUCED. 

81.    Melanerpes  carolinus  (LINN.). 
Red-bellied  Woodpecker. 

A  tolerably  common  resident,  but  most  regularly  observed  during  fall  and  win- 
ter; frequenting  then  more  open  woodland  than  during  the  breeding  season.     It  is 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


291 


visually  very  wild  and  wary,  especially  when  in  the  upland  woods,  remaining  chiefly 
in  the  tops  of  the  trees.     It  is  not  often  found  in  company  with  other  species. 

The  only  nest  that  has  fallen  under  the  writer's  observation  was  discovered  April 
2,  1893,  in  the  midst  of  a  large  forest.  The  excavation  was  near  the  top  of  a  sugar 
maple  (Acer  Saccharum),  in  a  dead  portion  of  the  trunk,  and  bore  evidence  of  recent 
operation,  as  the  ground  at  the  foot  of  the  tree  was  plentifully  strewed  with  chips. 
The  male  was  at  first  seen  passing  in  and  out  of  the  opening,  but  upon  his  discovery 
of  the  presence  of  spectators,  he  retreated  into  the  nest,  and  no  amount  of  noise  or 
pounding  on  the  tree  could  induce  him  to  again  venture  farther  than  the  entrance. 


GENUS  COLAPTES  SWAINSON. 


82. 


Colaptes  auratus  (LINN.). 
Flicker. 


A  permanent  resident,  but  less  abundant  in  winter  than  at  other  seasons. 
Most  of  those  that  remain  through  the  cold  weather  retire  to  the  swamps 
and  woods  along  the  streams,  where  natural  cavities  and  old  Woodpecker's  excava- 
tions furnish  suitable  abodes.  At  other  times  the  species  is  to  be  found  almost  any- 
where, though  apparently  only  casually  in  the  towns. 

Nesting  sites  are  chosen  with  apparent  indifference,  though  not  usually  above 
thirty  feet  from  the  ground.  Mating  takes  place  about  the  middle  of  April,  and  the 
six  or  seven  eggs  are  deposited  usually  between  the  tenth  of  May  and  the  first  of 
June.  The  female  occasionally,  but  not  commonly,  incubates  so  closely  that  it  is 
necessary  to  use  force  to  remove  her  from  the  nest. 

The  measurements  obtained  from  four  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Total  depth. 

Diameter  of 
entrance. 

Diameter  at 
entrance. 

Diameter  at 
middle. 

Diameter  at 
bottom. 

1  

1400 

3.00  x  2.50 

2  

1300 

2.75  x  2.38 

3 

1800 

200x203 

4  

7.00 

4  00  x  4.00 

6.00  x  5.00 

5.00 

5.00  x  4.00 

1300 

2  94  x  2  72 

ORDER  MACROCHIRES.     GOATSUCKERS,  SWIFTS,  ETC. 

SUBORDER  CAPRIMULGI.     GOATSUCKERS,  ETC. 

FAMILY  CAPRIflULGID>£.     GOATSUCKERS,  ETC. 

GENUS  ANTROSTOMUS    GOULD. 

83.    Antrostomus  vociferus  (WILS  ). 
Whip-poor-will. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident  from  May  until  September.     It  frequents 
almost  exclusively  the  dry  upland  woods,  being  seldom  found  on  the  lowlands. 


292  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

On  May  29,  1892,  an  individual  of  this  species  was  heard  singing  under  bright 
sunlight  at  3  :3O  p.  M.  Other  than  on  this  occasion  it  has  not  been  heard  during  day- 
light later  than  4  A.  M. 

GENUS  CHORDEILES  SWAINSON. 

84.  Chordeiles  virginianus  (GMEL.). 
Nighthawk;    Bull-bat. 

A  common  summer  resident  from  May  7  to  September  14.  It  is  more  numerous 
during  migrations,  especially  in  the  fall,  though  there  have  been  here  observed  no 
large  flights  such  as  elsewhere  frequently  occur.  It  may  occasionally  be  seen  at  dusk 
on  spring  evenings,  in  the  streets  and  yards  of  the  town,  whither  it  appears  to  have 
ventured  in  pursuit  of  food.  It  is  often  abroad  in  bright  sunlight,  usually  in  the 
afternoon,  but  is  seldom  seen  in  company  with  other  birds. 

A  single  egg  of  this  species  was  found  on  JXme  20,  1893,  in  a  strawberry  patch 
on  the  outskirts  of  Wooster.  This  nest  having  been  disturbed,  a  clutch  of  two  eggs 
was  later  discovered  in  the  same  situation.  Although  these  are  the  only  actual 
records  obtained,  the  Nighthawk  undoubtedly  breeds  regularly  in  this  locality. 

,      SUBORDER  CYPSELI.     SWIFTS. 
FAMILY  niCROPODID/G.     SWIFTS. 

SUBFAMILY  CH/ETURIN/C.     SPINE-TAILED  SWIFTS. 

GENUS  CENTURA   STEPHENS. 

85.  Chaetura  pelagica  (LINN.). 
ChimDey  Swift. 

An  abundant  summer  resident;  especially  numerous  in  the  towns.  The  earliest 
date  of  its  spring  arrival  is  March  28  (1890),  the  latest  April  21  (1892),  but  it  usually 
appears  about  the  middle  of  April.  The  dates  of  its  disappearance  in  fall  range 
between  October  i  and  October  7. 

From  the  last  part  of  April  until  the  twentieth  of  May,  each  year,  the  Swifts  con- 
gregate in  Wooster  almost  daily,  to  roost  in  a  chimney  of  the  court-house.  One  hun- 
dred and  fifty  to  two  hundred  are  usually  seen  at  first,  the  number  being  gradually  aug- 
mented until  about  May  10,  after  which  time  it  generally  soon  begins  to  decrease. 
Sometimes  as  many  as  1,000  birds  have  been  seen  in  the  vicinity  of  the  court-house, 
but  this  number  has  probably  never  been  exceeded.  While  their  usual  time  of  con- 
gregating is  between  six  and  seven  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  they  have  not  infre- 
quently been  observed  entering  the  chimney  during  the  middle  of  the  afternoon. 
Less  commonly  are  they  to  be  seen  in  numbers  about  the  chimney  during  the  fore- 
part of  the  day,  but  on  a  few  occasions  they  have  been  observed  entering  even  as  early 
as  half-past  seven  or  eight  A.  M.  The  darkening  of  the  sky  by  an  approaching  thunder- 
shower,  especially  if  in  the  afternoon,  generally  causes  them  to  assemble  and  enter 
their  roosting  place;  and  frequently  they  do  not  emerge  after  the  storm  has  passed. 

They  always  resort  to  a  particular  large  six-flued  chimney,  one  of  the  flues  of 
which  is  very  often  in  use.  They  do  not,  however,  seem  to  be  in  the  least  annoyed  by 
the  smoke  which  issues  from  this  part  of  the  chimney,  but  drop  unconcernedly  into 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


the  unused  portions.  For  a  short  time  in  the  spring  they  sometimes  have  recourse  to 
the  large  chimney  of  a  church,  but  as  their  numbers  increase  this  is  promptly  aband- 
oned for  the  presumably  more  commodious  one  of  the  court-house  close  at  hand. 
Occasionally  during  the  summer  (from  June  to  September),  the  Swifts  to  the  number 
of  one  or  two  hundred  may  be  seen  to  enter  the  court-house  chimney,  but  this  does 
not  appear  to  be  a  common  or  regular  occurrence. 

The  breeding  season  is  in  June;  and  four  or  five  eggs  constitute  the  usual  com- 
plement. The  female  when  frightened  from  the  nest,  instead  of  leaving  entirely,  very 
frequently  retreats  down  the  chimney,  being  with  considerable  difficulty  induced  to 
reappear. 


SUBORDER  TROCHILI.     HUMMINGBIRDS. 
FAMILY  TROCHILID/E.     HUMMINGBIRDS. 
GENUS  TROCHILUS    LINN/EUS. 

SUBGENUS  TROCHILUS. 

86.    Trochilus  colubris  LINN. 
Ruby-throated  Hummingbird. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  appears  in  spring  with  considerable  regularity 
between  the  first  and  the  tenth  of  May,  and  remains  until  September,  not,  however, 
being  common  after  the  first  of  this  month.  It  is  very  partial  to  the  flowers  of  the 
buckeye  (sEsculus  glabra},  and  while  this  tree  is  in  bloom,  during  the  early  part  of 
May,  assembles  often  in  numbers  wherever  these  favorite  flowers  are  to  be  found. 

In  this  locality  the  Hummingbird  nests  chiefly  in  June  and  the  early  part  of  July, 
though  eggs  have  been  taken  by  Mr.  Henderson  as  late  as  July  24.  An  apple  orchard 
is  apparently  the  preferred  situation.  If  the  first  nest  be  disturbed  a  second  is  often 
if  not  always  constructed. 

As  of  possible  interest  in  connection  with  the  statements  of  Mr.  Bradford  Torrey1 
in  regard  to  the  absence  of  the  male  from  the  nest  during  the  period  of  incubation 
and  of  rearing  the  young,  it  may. be  stated  that  on  two  occasions  the  writer  has 
observed  the  male  at  the  nest :  On  June  26,  1892,  when  a  male  was  seen  with  the 
female  about  a  nest  which  contained  eggs ;  and  on  July  4,  1892,  when  the  male  alone 
was  noted  at  another  nest  which  was  occupied  by  two  young  birds  apparently  but  two 
•or  three  days  old. 

Early  in  the  morning  on  June  I,  1892,  a  Hummingbird  was  noticed  fluttering  up 
.and  down  against  the  plate  glass  of  a  large  show  window  on  one  of  the  main  business 
streets  of  Wooster,  and  apparently  attempting  to  enter  the  window  as  if  unaware  of 
the  impenetrable  nature  of  the  glass. 


lrThe  Footpath  Way,  1893,  pp.  135  el  seq. 


294 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


ORDER  PASSERES      PERCHING   BIRDS. 


87. 


SUBORDER  CLAMATORES.     SONGLESS  PERCHING  BIRDS. 

FAMILY  TYRANNID/E.     TYRANT  FLYCATCHERS. 

GENUS  TYRANNUS    CUVIER. 

Tyrannus  tyrannus  (LINN.). 
Kingbird. 


An  abundant  summer  resident.  Its  earliest  recorded  spring  arrival  is  April  i<^ 
(1891),  but  its  average  date  is  about  two  weeks  later.  Few  are  to  be  seen  after  the 
first  of  September,  though  individuals  have  been  observed  to  linger  until  October  3. 

In  this  locality  this  species  is  apparently  late  in  nesting,  for  with  one  exception 
a  complement  of  eggs  has  not  been  noted  before  June  20,  but  fresh  eggs  have  been- 
taken  in  July.  A  set  of  three  secured  on  July  7,  1891,  contained  eggs  varying  from 
fresh  to  three-eighths  incubated.  A  large  proportion  of  the  nests  found  have  been  in 
apple  orchards. 

The  measurements  of  two  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  

3.25 

1.75 

3.00  x  2.75 

2.75  x  2.50 

4.50  x  4.00 

5.50  x  4.25 

4.00  x  4.00 

0.88  x  0.50 

2  

3.00 

2.00 

3.00  x  2.75 

2.90  x  2.60 

5.75  x  4.50 

5.75  x  4.50 

4.50  x  3.75 

1.25  x  0.60 

The  Kingbird  is  one  of  the  earliest  birds  to  be  astir  in  the  morning,  the  notebook 
of  the  writer  showing  that  this  species  was,  on  March  27,  1890,  first  heard  at  3  130  A.  M. 

That  the  Kingbird  possesses  remarkably  acute  vision  may  be  inferred  from  the 
following  circumstance.  On  June  5,  1892,  while  the  writer  was  strolling  along  the 
railfoad  track,  which  is  here  situated  near  the  stream  of  the  Killbuck,  a  Kingbird  was 
seen  to  start  from  a  telegraph  pole  and  fly  swiftly  in  a  direct  line  to  capture  an  insect 
so  small  as  to  be  invisible  to  the  human  eyes  only  twenty-five  feet  away,  yet  by  actual 
measurement  the  distance  from  which  this  bird  had  espied  its  victim  was  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet. 

This  species  was  observed  feeding  upon  berries  of  the  dogwood  (Cornus  florida}, 
on  July  31,  1892. 

GENUS  MYIARCHUS    CABANIS. 

88.    Myiarchus  crinitus  (LINN.). 
Crested  Flycatcher. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident;  much  more  numerous  in  the  spring.  It 
arrives  usually  between  the  first  and  the  tenth  of  May,  but  the  earliest  date  is  April  24 
(1892).  Though  not  common  after  the  first  of  September,  it  has  been  observed  as  late 
as  October  2.  While  it  is  found  during  the  spring  chiefly  in  the  woodlands,  it  appears 
to  resort  principally  to  orchards  for  the  purpose  of  breeding. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


295 


'GENUS  8AYORNIS   BONAPARTE. 


89.    Sayornis  phcebe  (LATH.). 
Phoebe. 


An  abundant  summer  resident.  The  earliest  date  of  its  spring  arrival  is  March 
17(1894);  the  latest,  March  30,  (1890).  It  remains  until  some  time  in  October,  the 
date  on  which  it  has  been  latest  observed  being  October  19  (1892). 

Nidification  is  begun  in  April,  and  incompleted  nests  have  been  noted  as  early  as 
April  9  (1893).  A  second  brood  is  commonly  reared  in  June.  The  supporting  tim- 
bers of  bridges  are  the  favorite  nesting  sites,  and  most  of  the  nests  found  have  been 
thus  situated.  A  ledge  of  rocks  or  an  old  stone  quarry  is,  however,  by  no  means  an 
uncommon  location. 

Four  nests  present  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  

8.50 

2.00 

2.75  x  2.88 

1.25  x  1.13 

5.00  x  4.00 

5.50  z  4.25 

5.00  x  4.00 

2.25  x  0.25- 

2  

6.00 

1.56 

8.50  x  2.75 

2.83  x  2.25 

4.50  x  3.75 

5.00  x  3.00 

200x203 

1.50  x  0.50 

3  .... 

300 

200 

2  75  x  2  38 

2  38  x  2.25 

4  25  x  3  50 

5.25  x  4  25 

4  25  x  3  00 

1  00  x  0  25- 

4  

450 

1.75 

250  x  200 

2  38  x  1  83 

500  x  450 

5  75  x  5  25 

7  00  x  4  75 

1.75  x  0  25 

Average 

4.25 

1.83 

2.88  x  2.38 

2  10  x  1.88 

4.69  x  3.94 

5.38  x  4.19 

4.56  x  3.44 

1.63  x  0.31 

GENUS  CONTOPUS    CABANIS. 


SUBGENUS  CONTOPUS. 


90.    Contopus  virens  (LINN.). 
Wood  Fewee. 


A  summer  resident;  abundant.  Its  dates  of  spring  arrival  range  from  May  7  to 
May  14,  and  it  remains  until  September,  not  having  been  noted,  however,  later  than 
the  twenty-first  of  this  month.  Although  early  in  spring  frequenting  especially  the 
woodlands,  it  is  to  be  found  breeding  chiefly  in  the  numerous  apple  orchards.  In  fact, 
it  is,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  rather  the  exception  to  find  an  apple  orchard  of 
any  considerable  size  which  does  not  possess  its  pair  of  these  birds.  So  far  as  the 
writer's  observations  extend,  only  one  pair  occupy  any  single  orchard. 

The  nest  is  rarely  more  than  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground,  and  is  often  much  less* 
The  number  of  eggs  is  usually  three,  but  occasionally  only  two.  The  height  of  the 
breeding  season  seems  to  be  about  the  twenty-fifth  of  June, — eggs  having  been  taken 
from  June  14  to  July  5. 


296 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


The  dimensions  of  five  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

I  aside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

L.  

1.75 

1.25 

2.00  x  1.75 

1  85  x  1  75 

3.00  x  2.50 

3.25  x  3.00 

3.00  x  2.50 

065x035 

2....  

1.50 

1.50 

200x1.85 

2.15  x  2.00 

3.15  x  2  60 

3  35  x  3.00 

3.15  x  2.75 

0.80  x  0.35 

8..  

105 

0.85 

1  85  x  1.65 

1.80x  1.60 

3.50  x  2.25 

3.50  x  2.35 

3.50  x  2.10 

1.00  x  0.35 

4  

1.40 

090 

200  x  1  75 

2.25  x  1.80 

2.85  x  2.50 

3.25  x  3.00 

3.25  x  3.00 

0  60  x  0.20 

5 

160 

110 

2  00  x  1  75 

J  90  x  1  70 

3  10  x  2  40 

3  25  x  2  60 

3  25  x  2  50 

0  75  x  0  30 

Average.. 

1.46 

1.12 

1.97  x  1.75 

1.99  x  1.77 

3.12  x  2.45 

3  32  x  2.79 

3.23  x  2.57 

0  76  x  0.81 

GENUS  EMPIDONAX    CABANIS. 

91.  Empidonax  flaviventris  BAIRD. 
Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 

A  rare  spring  and  fall  transient  visitor.  It  has  been  observed  only  in  May  and 
September,  in  thickets  and  the  undergrowth  of  woodland. 

The  stomach  of  a  specimen  taken  September  18,  1892,  contained  the  remains  of 
two  or  three  striped  squash-beetles  \Dlabrotica  vittata]  and  a  dung-beetle  (Atcenius 
stercorator}. 

92.  Empidonax  virescens  (VIEILL.). 
Green-crested  Flycatcher. 

A  summer  resident;  common  for  a  while  in  the  spring,  but  during  the  breeding 
season  less  numerous,  and  inhabiting  then  only  certain  localities.  The  earliest  date 
of  its  spring  arrival  is  April  30  (1891),  but  it  has  in  other  years  not  been  noted  before 
the  middle  of  May.  It  departs  usually  not  later  than  the  first  of  September. 

93.  Empidonax  traillii  CAUD.). 
Traill's  Flycatcher. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident,  but  of  very  local  distribution.  It  appears 
in  spring  during  the  first  half  of  May,  the  earliest  record  being  May  i,  and  remains 
until  September. 

It  has  been  found  nesting  in  only  one  locality,  a  mill-race  in  the  valley  of  the 
Applecreek,  a  short  distance  southeast  of  Wooster.  This  mill-race  is  thickly  fringed 
with  a  growth  of  elders  (Sambuctis  Canadensfs),  and  though  situated  between  the 
railroad  track  and  cultivated  fields,  seems  to  have  a  special  attraction  for  Traill's 
Flycatcher,  as  several  pairs  breed  here  annually.  Eggs  have  been  obtained  between 
the  dates  of  June  10  and  July  14  inclusive;  those  on  the  latter  date,  however,  belong- 
ing probably  to  a  pair  from  which  eggs  had  previously  been  taken.  None  of  the  nests 
found  were  higher  from  the  ground  than  six  feet,  most  of  them  less  than  four  and 
one-half  feet ;  all  being  built  in  elder  bushes,  and  by  no  means  difficult  to  discover. 
Four  eggs  seem  to  constitute  the  ordinary  complement,  only  one  set  (July  14,  1892) 
consisting  of  a  smaller  number.  A  nest  taken  June  15,  1892,  contained  four  eggs  of 
its  owner  with  one  of  the  Cowbird ;  the  Cowbird's  egg  having  been  deposited  before 
any  of  the  others. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


297 


Six  nests  measured  furnish  the  following  results : 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outsidetop 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

2.50 

1.65 

2.05  x  1.85 

2.15  x  2.05 

3.00  x  2.60 

2.75  x  2.50 

2.75  x  1.75 

0.50  x  0.20 

2  
g  
4..       

2.35 
2.75 
2.60 

1.30 
165 
1.50 

2.00  x  1.75 
2.10  x  1.75 
2.25  x  1.75 

2.00  x  1.90 
2.30  x  1.70 
2.25  x  2.00 

3.10  x  2.85 
2.85  x  2.50 
2.85  x  2.60 

3.25  x  3.00 
3.25  x  2.50 
3  00  x  2.75 

2.75  x  2.25 
2.10  x  1.85 
2.50  x  1.75 

O.EO  x  0.45 
0.75  x  0.25 
0.50  x  0.20 

5  
6  

2.75 
325 

1.35 
1.40 

2.10  x  1.85 
2.50  x  1.75 

2.10  x  1  85 
2.40  x  2.00 

3.00  x  2.65 
8.25  x  2.35 

2.75  x  2.00 
4.00  x  8.25 

2.50x1.25 
2.00  x  1.50 

0.60  x  0.35 
0  60  x  0.2Q 

Average- 

2.70 

1.48 

2.17  x  1.78 

2.20  x  1.92 

3  01  x  2.59 

3.17  x  2.67 

2.43  x  1.72 

063x0.28 

94.    Empidonax  minimus  BAIRD. 
Least  Flycatcher. 

A  tolerably  common  spring  transient  from  May  i  to  24,  but  has  not  been  observed 
in  the  fall.  During  its  passage  through  the  County  it  is  found  almost  exclusively  in 
woodland. 

Contrary  to  the  statement  of  Dr.  Wheaton,1  the  characteristic  note  of  this  species 
is  here  frequently  heard  during  the  migration. 


SUBORDER  OSCINES.     SONG  BIRDS. 

FAMILY  ALAUDID>G.     LARKS. 

GENUS  OTOCORIS    BONAPARTE. 


HORNED  LARK,  MUCH  REDUCED. 

95.    Otocoris  alpestris  (LINN.).  . 
Horned  Lark. 

Winter  visitor ;  rare.  A  single  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  is  the  only 
record.  This  was  taken  December  28,  1892,  from  a  flock  of  about  twenty-five  indi- 
viduals, three  others  of  which,  also  secured,  proved  to  be  fairly  typical  praticola. 

iGeological  Survey  of  Ohio  1  V,  i88z,  p   379. 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


From  the  rarity  of  Otocoris  aJpestris  in  Indiana  and  in  western  Pennsylvania,  its 
uncommon  occurrence  in  Ohio,  except  perhaps  in  the  extreme  northern  portion,  may 
be  reasonably  inferred.  This  supposition  is  borne  out  by  the  facts  at  present  available, 
for  the  specimen  mentioned  above  is  apparently  the  fourth  published  record  of  its 
unequivocal  appearance  in  the  State;  all  other  mention  of  this  form  referring  without 
much  doubt  to  Otocoris  alpestris  praticola.  The  previous  records  are  by  Dr.  J. 
Dwight  Jr.,1  who  mentions  specimens  from  Cleveland  and  Circleville,  Ohio;  and  by 
Mr.  Lynds  Jones,2  who  found  the  species  at  Oberlin  during  the  winter  of  1895-6. 


96.    Otocoris  alpestris  praticola  HENSH. 
Prairie  Horned  Lark. 


A  permanent  resident;  common  during  the  winter  months,  but  less  numerous  in 
summer.  It  occurs  throughout  the  former  season  principally  in  flocks,  frequenting 
chiefly  the  upland  fields  or  public  roads,  sometimes  associated  with  the ,  Snowflake 
(Plectrophenax  nivalis).  A  flock  of  140  Horned  Larks  was  seen  on  the  lowland 
meadows  along  Killbuck  Creek,  April  23,  1893. 

A  nest  of  this  subspecies,  built  as  usual  upon  the  ground,  and  containing  two  eggs 
together  with  two  callow  young,  was  observed  by  W.  E.  Henderson,  near  Wooster,  in 
June  1893.  A  young  bird  in  first  plumage  was  shot  by  the  writer  from  a  flock  of  five, 
on  June  26,  1891. 

This  form  of  the  Horned  Lark  has  for  some  years  heen  considered  a  summer 
resident  throughout  the  northern  portion  of  Ohio,  but  definite  data  from  this  state  are 
few,  although  it  has  been  with  comparative  frequency  reported  breeding  in  contiguous 
portions  of  Pennsylvania.3  Aside  from  the  map  of  its  breeding  range  published  by 
Dr.  J.  Dwight  Jr.,4  the  only  previous  records  of  its  breeding  in  Ohio  appear  to  be  as 
follows : 

DAVIE,  Nests  and  Eggs  of  North  American  Birds,  1889,  page  25  ^; — young  taken 
in  May  in  northwestern  Ohio. 

WHEATON,  Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  page  589; — said  by  Mr.  Chubb 
to  breed  near  Cleveland. 

VICKERS,  Oologist  XII,  1895,  page  108; — a  nest  containing  three  young  found 
April  iy,  1895,  near  Ellsworth,  Mahoning  County,  Ohio. 

A  male  in  breeding  plumage  taken  June  26,  1891,  and  a  female  in  fall  dress  col- 
lected October  30,  1890,  are  paler  than  typical  specimens  and  very  closely  resemble 
corresponding  plumages  of  Otocoris  alpestris  arenicola  from  Montana. 


1  Auk  VII,  1890,  p.  142. 

2  Bulletin  of  Wilson  Ornithological  Chapter,  No.  7,  March  30,  1896. 
»  WARREN,  Report  on  Birds  of  Pennsylvania,  1890,  p   198. 

*  Auk.  VII,  1890,  map  facing  p.  158. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


299 


FAMILY  CORVID^E.     CROWS,  JAYS,   MAGPIES,   ETC. 


SUBFAMILY  GARRULIN/E.     MAGPIES  AND  JAYS. 


GENUS  CYANOCITTA    STRICKLAND. 


97.    Cyanocitta  cristata  (LINN.). 
Blue  Jay. 

An  abundant  resident,  but  especially  numerous  during  fall  and  early  spring. 

Nesting  is  begun  sometimes  by  April  10,  but  the  height  of  the  breeding  season 
is  in  May.  In  the  matter  of  nesting  sites  a  preference  seems  to  be  shown  for  the 
thorn  bushes  (Cratcegus),  though  various  other  situations  are  also  chosen.  The  nest 
is  usually  placed  not  over  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground,  though  in  one  instance  the 
•distance  was  forty-two  feet.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five  in  number,  and  are  sometimes 
in  varying  stages  of  incubation. 

A  set  of  five  eggs,  taken  in  this  locality  on  May  i,  1890,  seems  sufficiently  differ- 
ent from  the  usual  type  of  coloration  to  merit  a  description.  '1  he  ground  color  is  a 
rich  cream  buff,  with  small  markings  of  vandyke  brown,  tawny  olive,  broccoli  brown, 
clay  color,  wood  brown,  drab,  dull  lavender  and  ecru  drab;  these  markings  occurring 
most  numerously  at  the  larger  ends  of  the  eggs.  These  eggs  measure  respectively  : 
i.i6x.78,  i.o8x.79,  i. it  x.yg,  i.i6x.79,  i.n  x-77. 

All  the  nests  (nine  in  number)  which  have  been  examined  by  the  writer  have  re- 
vealed the  employment  of  more  or  less  mud  in  their  construction.  Many  of  them 
were  cupped  and  plastered  with  this  material  to  as  great  an  extent  as  is  characteristic 
of  the  nest  of  the  Robin.  If  this  use  of  mud  by  the  Blue  Jay  is  of  general  occur- 
rence, it  would  seem  somewhat  strange  that  more  mention  has  not  been  made  of  the 
fact  in  the  literature  of  the  subject.  The  only  notice  of  such  a  habit,  so  far  as  the 
present  writer  has  been  able  to  ascertain,  is  to  be  found  in  Baird,  Brewer  and  Ridg- 
way's  History  of  North  American  Land  Birds,  Volume  II,  page  275 ;  and  in  Thos. 
G.  Gentry's  Life  Histories  of  the  Birds  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  Volume  II,  page 
21.  The  same  sentence  occurs  in  both  these  works,  and  is  as  follows: — 

"  In  Texas  according  to  Dr.  Lincecum  the  nest  is  built  of  mud,  which  is  rarely  if 
-ever  utilized  in  more  northern  localities." 

The  measurements  of  eight  nests  are  herewith  given  : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  "  

6.50 

188 

4.00  x  3.25 

3.25  x  3.12 

7.50  x  5.75 

8.00  x  6  50 

8.00  x  1.25 

3.00  x  0  63 

2  

3.00 

1.75 

4.25  x  3  50 

8.75  x  3  00 

6.50  x  4.50 

7.00  x  5.00 

7.00  x  3.50 

2.00  x  0.50 

3  

5.00 

1.75 

3.75  x  3.75 

3  75  x  3.38 

650  x  5.00 

650  x  600 

6  00  x  4  00 

2  00  x  0  75 

4  

4.50 

2.10 

3.50  x  3.00 

3.90  x  3.15 

6.25  x  4.75 

8.00  x  5.25 

5  50  x  4.00 

2.00  x  0.50 

5  

5.00 

2.50 

4.00  x  3  50 

3.38  x  3.38 

5.50  x  4.75 

10.50  x  7.00 

700x600 

1.75  x  0.13 

•6  

4.00 

2.00 

4.25  x  4.00 

3  25  x  3.25 

6.50  x  5.50 

7.50  x  7.00 

5.50  x  5.00 

1.25  x  0.50 

7  

4.50 

2.25 

4.00  x  3.50 

3  50.x  3.25 

7.00  x  6.00 

9.00  x  5.00 

5.00  x  3.50 

1.75  x  0.63 

«  

3.50 

2.00 

4.00  x  3.63 

3  63  x  3.50 

5.75  x  5.50 

6.00  x  5.50 

6.00  x  5.00 

1.38  x  0  63 

Average 

450 

2.C3 

3.97  x  3.52 

3.55  x  3.25 

6.44  x  5.22 

7.81  x  5.91 

6.25  x  4.03 

1.89  x  0.53 

300 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


Three  Blue  Jays  were  on  July  27,  1890,  observed  chasing  a  Red-tailed  Hawk  in 
regular  Kingbird  fashion,  much  to  the  evident  discomfort  of  the  Hawk,  and  appar- 
ently to  the  equally  great  delight  of  the  Jays.  Notwithstanding  its  well  attested  pro- 
pensity for  annoying  other  birds,  the  Blue  Jay  is  itself  occasionally  the  injured  party, 
even  at  .the  hands  of  its  inferiors,  for  it  has  been  seen  put  to  flight  by  the  combined 
efforts  of  a  Baltimore  Oriole  and  a  Warbling  Vireo. 

On  September  26  and  27,  1890,  several  Blue  Jays  were  observed  feeding  exten- 
sively on  the  acorns  of  the  laurel  oak  (Qiiercus  imbricaria}.  The  examination  of 
stomachs  from  individuals  taken  during  the  fall  and  winter  months  indicates  that  the 
fo  d  of  this  species  at  these  seasons  consists  largely  of  mast. 

SUBFAMILY  CORVIN>E.     CROWS. 

GENUS  CORVUS    LINNAEUS. 

98.    Corvus  americanus  AUD. 
American  Crow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident,  perhaps  remaining  also  during  mild  winters. 
Although  it  has  been  ascertained  to  sometimes  pass  even  a  severe  winter  in  Summit 
County,  Ohio,1  the  writer  has  no  positive  knowledge  of  its  presence  throughout  the 
whole  of  this  season  within  the  region  at  present  under  consideration.  One  indivi- 
dual was  heard  January  i,  1892;  and  Mr.  C.  E.  Bixler  found  one  frozen  to  death  in  a 
brush-heap,  four  miles  north  of  Wooster,  on  January  4,  1887 ;  these  being  the  only 
records  for  either  December  or  January.  The  Crow  appears  in  February,  sometimes 
as  early  as  the  second  of  the  month,  and  disappears  late  in  October  or  early  in  Novem- 
ber; the  latest  date  on  which  it  has  been  observed  being  November  6,  (1892). 

The  breeding  season  begins  often  very  early  in  April,  probably  sometimes  in 
March.  Nests  with  eggs  are  not  common  after  the  middle  of  May.  As  to  location, 
a  preference  seems  to  be  shown  for  the  woods  of  the  bottom-lands,  where  the  nest  is 
frequently  placed  in  a  swamp  maple  (Acer  rubrum},  ordinarily  among  the  upper 
branches.  The  eggs  are  generally  five,  sometimes  in  varying  stages  of  incubation. 

The  measurements  of  four  nests  are  as  follows : 


NO. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

12.00 

550 

7.75  x  7.00 

7.00  x  6.50 

16.00  x  12.00 

16.00  x  1200 

12.00  x  6.00 

5.00  x  0.75 

2-  

12.00 

500 

8.00  x  7.75 

6.50  x  6.00 

18.00  x  13.00 

22.00  x  14.00 

9.00  x  9.00 

7.50  x  2.50 

3  

16.00 

4.00 

8.50  x  6.75 

6  50  x  6.00 

16.00  x  16.00 

16.00  x  16.00 

8.00  x  6.00 

6.00x300 

4..  

11.00 

3.50 

7.25  x  6.25 

5.50  x  5.50 

1300x   6.50 

16.00  x  11.00 

16.CO  x  8.00 

3.00  x  1.00 

Average.. 

12.75 

450 

7.88  x  6.94 

6.38  x  6.00 

15  75  x  11.88 

17.50  x  10.75 

11.25  x  7.25 

5.38  x  1.81 

The  female  may  usually  without  difficulty  be  induced  to  leave  the  nest,  but  occa- 
sionally even  the  most  vigorous  rapping  proves  unavailing,  in  which  case  a  stick 
thrown  and  striking  near  the  nest  almost  invariably  has  the  desired  effect. 

The  Crow  in  this  locality  seems  to  have  a  particular  animosity  towards  both  the 
Red-tailed  and  Red-shouldered  Hawks,  and  may  often  be  seen  annoying  them ;  yet 
notwithstanding  this,  it  is  exceptional,  as  has  been  previously  stated,  to  find  a  domicile 
of  the  Red-shouldered  Hawk  without  the  presence  of  a  Crow's  nest  in  the  vicinity. 

1  Annual  Report  of  Ohio  Academy  of  Sciences  II,  1894,  p.  12. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  301 


A  somewhat  interesting  case  of  rostral  malformation  is  exhibited  by  a  mounted 
Crow  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  R.  A.  Schnably,  of  West  Salem.  The  mandible  is  per- 
fectly normal ;  but  the  maxilla,  though  of  usual  length,  is  curved  downward,  crossing 
the  mandible  on  the  left  side,  and  describing  a  complete  semi-circle,  so  that  its  tip  is 
below  and  on  nearly  a  vertical  line  with  tne  base  of  the  bill.  It  would  seem  that 
such  abnormality  could  hardly  fail  to  seriously  interfere  with  the  bird's  feeding,  yet 
this  Crow  was,  as  Mr.  Schnably  informed  me,  very  fat  and  apparently  in  perfectly 
healthy  condition. 


FAMILY  ICTERID^E.     BLACKBIRDS,  ORIOLES,  ETC. 
SUBFAMILY  ICTERIN/E.     BLACKBIRD?,  ORIOLES,  ETC.1 

GENUS  DOLICHONYX    SWAINSON. 

99.  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (LINN.). 
Bobolink. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  appears  in  spring  generally  during  the  first 
week  of  May,  but  in  1891  was  noted  April  21.  It  retires  southward  ordinarily  by  the 
first  of  October. 

About  the  first  of  July  it  begins  to  gather  into  flocks,  which  apparently  seldom 
exceed  two  hundred  and  fifty  individuals.  The  males  continue  in  spring  plumage 
until  at  least  the  middle  of  July.  During  the  month  of  September,  and  sometimes 
in  August,  especially  on  dark  cloudy  nights,  this  species  may  be  heard  passing  over 
the  city  on  its  southward  migration. 

The  Bobolink  breeds  chiefly  during  the  last  of  May  and  in  June,  the  nest  being 
usually  located  in  a  grass  field,  on  either  the  uplands  or  the  lowlands.  Late  nests  are 
not  infrequently  destroyed  by  the  mowing  of  the  grass  in  the  fields  where  they  hap- 
pen to  be  situated.  This  species  seems  to  be,  if  anything,  slightly  on  the  increase  in 
this  region. 

GENUS  MOLOTHRUS    SWAINSON. 

100.  Molothrus  ater  (BODD.). 
Cowbird. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  arrives  usually  between  the  middle  of  March 
and-the  first  of  April,  the  earliest  date  noted  being  March  16  (1894).  I*  disappears  in 
October,  not  having  been  seen  after  the  twentieth  of  this  month. 

In  spring  it  moves  chiefly  in  small  companies,  flocks  of  over  a  hundred  being  the 
exception ;  but  after  the  breeding  season,  in  July  or  early  in  August,  it  begins  to  col- 
lect again  into  flocks,  which  thereafter  often  aggregate  several  hundred  individuals. 
It  is  frequently  found  associated  in  spring  and  autumn  with  numbers  of  both  Red- 
winged  Blackbirds  and  Bronzed  Crackles.  It  is  also  accasionally  noted  in  company 
with  Robins. 


two  subfamilies  of  Icteridx  are   not   recognized   in  the  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  but  are  apparently 
advisable  divisions. 


302 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


The  Cowbird  seems  here  to  most  frequently  invade  the  nest  of  the  Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak,  and  not  uncommonly  deposits  two  or  three  eggs  in. a  single  nest.  Next  to 
the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak,  the  Yellow  Warbler  and  Wood  Thrush  are  probably 
the  species  most  frequently  imposed  upon  by  this  parasite. 

On  June  22,  1890,  a  nest  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  was  found  to  contain  one  young 
Warbler  and  two  eggs  about  to  hatch,  together  with  one  Cowbird's  egg  which  was 
nearly  fresh.  A  Song  Sparrow's  nest  containing  two  young  Sparrows,  and  a  Cow- 
bird's  egg  only  one-eighth  incubated,  was  observed  June  5,  1892.  From  these 
instances  it  would  seem  evident  that  the  Cowbird  sometimes  makes  mistakes  in  the 
deposition  of  its  eggs,  placing  them  in  nests  where  exists  at  most  but  small  proba- 
bility of  their  being  hatched.  On  June  22,  1891,  there  was  discovered  a  Yellow 
Warbler's  nest  containing  one  young  Warbler  and  a  young  Cowbird,  both  about 
two-thirds  fledged.  The  two  quite  filled  the  nest,  the  Cowbird  by  its  much  greater 
-size  being  readily  distinguished.  Whether  or  not  in  this  case  the  young  Cowbird 
eventually  appropriated  the  entire  nest,  as  is  said  to  be  a  common  occurrence,  was 
unfortunately  not  possible  to  determine. 


GENUS  AGELAIUS    VIEILLOT. 

101.    Agelaius  phceniceus  (LINN.). 
Red-wiuged  Blackbird. 


An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  appears  in  spring  generally  during  the 
first  week  of  March,  but  was  in  1892  noted  on  February  25.  It  departs  rarely  before 
November  i,  sometimes  remaining  until  November  30. 

From  the  time  of  its  arrival  it  moves  much  in  flocks,  and  is  to  be  seen  almost 
•everywhere,  resorting,  however,  at  night  in  great  numbers  to  the  swamps  to  roost. 
This  continues  until  the  latter  part  of  April,  when  the  birds  become  more  or  less 
-scattered  for  the  purpose  of  breeding,  which  takes  place  chiefly  in  May  and  the  first 
part  of  June. 

During  the  nesting  season  the  Red-winged  Blackbird  may  be  found  in  almost 
every  swamp  and  marsh,  though  apparently  more  than  a  few  pairs  seldom  breed 
together.  The  nest  is  very  frequently  placed  in  a  bush  or  small  tree,  especially  a 
willow,  and  is  sometimes  ten  or  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  appear  to  be 
usually  four  in  number. 

Six  nests  afford  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outsi  e 
top 
diameter. 

Out«ide 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

!  

4.25 

250 

3.12  x  2.25 

3.12x2.50 

6.00  x  400 

5  75  x  5.00 

2.50  x  2.25 

2.50  x  0.25 

2  

550 

3.00 

2  50  x  2.50 

3.00  x  2.50 

6.00  x  5.00 

4.00  x  3.75 

2  50  x  1.50 



3  

5.00 

8.50 

2.63  x  2.63 

3.00x2.75 

4  38  x  4.38 

5.00  x  5.00 

3.00  x  2.50 

1.38  x  0  38 

4  

4.00 

2.50 

2.80  x  2.63 

2.88  x  2.75 

5.00  x  4.00 

4.75  x  4.75 

2.50X200 

1.25x0.25 

5  

3.35 

2.25 

3.00  x  2  70 

3.15  x  3.00 

4.35  x  4.00 

4  75  x  4.25 

4.00  X  3.00 

1.10  x  0.50 

«  

3.50 

2.25 

3.00  x  2  75 

3.40  x  3  00 

4.00  x  4.00 

4.75  x  4  00 

3.50  x  2.75 

0.85  x  0.45 

Average- 

4.27 

2.67 

2.84  x  2.58 

8.09  x  2.75 

4.96  x  4  23 

4  83  x  4  46 

3.00  x  2  33 

1.42  x  0.37 

THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  303 

/  . 

This  species  exhibits  considerable  courage  in  defense  of  its  nest,  attacking  with- 
out hesitation  such  birds  as  the  Red-shouldered  and  Sparrow  Hawks,  the  Crow  and 
the  Kingfisher,  usually  with  success, — often  putting  them  to  flight  single-handed.  An 
attack  upon  the  Cliff  Swallow,  on  account  of  a  supposed  intrusion,  does  not  seem  to 
be  so  well  justified. 

By  the  middle  of  June,  or  even  earlier,  the  Red-winged  Blackbird  commonly 
begins  to  reassemble  into  small  flocks,  which  gradually  increase  in  size  as  the  summer 
advances,  reaching  their  maximum  during  August.  These  hordes,  often  in  company 
with  numerous  Bronzed  Grackles,  again  resort  to  the  swamps  and  marshes  to  roost, 
there  occupying  for  this  purpose  the  cat-tails  (  Typlia  latifolia),  as  well  as  the  bushes 
and  trees. 

GENUS  STURNELLA  VIEILLOT. 

102.  Sturnella  magna  (LINN.). 
Meadowlark. 

Resident ;  abundant  during  the  spring,  summer  and  fall,  but  not  very  common  in 
winter.  It  remains  throughout  the  last  mentioned  season  principally  on  the  bottom- 
lands and  in  the  more  sheltered  fields  of  the  uplands.  It  occurs  to  some  extent  in 
small  flocks  from  about  the  first  of  July  until  April.  A  flock  seen  January  4,  1892, 
was  accompanied  by  about  fifty  Horned  Larks.  The  Meadowlark  is  comparatively 
seldom  noted  in  the  towns,  but  during  March  and  April  it  is  occasionally  observed 
flying  over.  It  nests  generally  in  May,  in  suitable  situations  on  both  the  uplands  and 
the  bottoms. 

This  species  commonly  begins  to  sing  about  the  latter  part  of  February,  but  ha 
been  heard,  though  rarely,  as  early  as  the  first  of  January.  It  continues  in  song  al- 
most uninterruptedly  from  February  until  November.  Mr.  E.  P.  Bicknell  mentions1 
the  absence  of  song  during  September  and  the  latter  part  of  August,  but  the  writer's 
experience  has  been  to  find  the  species-  in  fairly  good  song  often  through  both  August 
and  September. 

GENUS  ICTERUS  BRISSON. 

SUBGENUS  PENDULINUS    VIEILLOT. 

103.  Icterus  spurius  (LINN.). 
Orchard  Oriole. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident.  It  is  apparently  more  numerous  some 
years  than  others,  though  never  more  than  locally  common.  According  to  the  notes 
of  the  writer,  it  arrives  between  May  3  and  May  16. 

It  frequents  almost  exclusively  orchards  and  the  vicinity  of  country  dwellings,  in 
-which  localities  it  breeds.  It  apparently  does  not  often  venture  into  the  towns  be- 
yond their  outskirts,  but  one  was  seen  singing,  on  July  3,  1893,  near  the  center  of  the 
business  portion  of  Wooster. 

The  exhibition  of  a  trait  that  we  are  loth  to  believe  characteristic  of  the  species 
was  observed  by  the  writer  on  May  20  1890.  A  Warbling  Vireo  was  busily  engaged 


i  Auk  II,  1885,  p.  251. 
5    B.  W.  C. 


304 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


in  constructing  its  nest  on  one  of  the  outer  branches  of  a  large  wild  cherry  tree 
{Primus  serotina}^  which  stood  in  a  thicket  along  a  mill-race,  adjacent  to  apple 
orchards  and  a  farm-house.  A  female  Orchard  Oriole  quietly  occupied  a  neighbor- 
ing tree  until  the  Vireo,  after  bringing  material  to  its  nest  and  satisfactorily  arranging 
the  same,  should  depart ;  when  she  too  visited  the  nest  and  bore  away  in  her  bill  such 
of  the  material  as  she  could  easily  detach, — without  doubt  for  the  construction  of  her 
own  nest.  This  theft  was  a  number  of  times  repeated,  always  in  the  same  sly  manner ; 
but  the  Vireo  finally  discovered  that  something  was  wrong,  and  with  the  assistance  of 
its  mate,  ended  by  driving  the  Oriole  off  the  scene. 

The  Orchard  Oriole  has  been  heard  singing  as  late  as  August  28  (1890),  which 
date  is  also  the  latest  fall  record  for  the  occurrence  of  the  species. 


SUBGENUS  YPHANTES     VIEILLOT. 

104.    Icterus  galbula  (LINN.). 
Baltimore  Oriole. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Its  arrival  during  the  four  years  of  the  writer's 
observations  has  been  between  April  28  and  May  5,  inclusive.  It  has  not  been  noted 
later  than  September  18  (1892),  when  one  was  heard  singing  in  Wooster. 

The  nesting  season  is  in  May  and  the  early  part  of  June.  Ordinarily  full  comple- 
ments of  fresh  eggs  are  to  be  obtained  within  a  few  days  of  the  first  of  June,  though 
some  nests  may  contain  young  at  this  time.  An  exception  was  noted  in  1891,  when 
all  the  nests  examined  between  May  28  and  June  4  contained  either  callow  young 
or  heavily  incubated  eggs.  Four  or  five  eggs  is  the  usual  number,  though  a  nest 
occupied  by  only  three  young  is  occasionally  noticed.  With  regard  to  the  loca- 
tion of  the  nest,  a  preference  seems  to  be  evinced  for  trees  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  running  water,  but  in  the  absence  of  such,  orchards  or  ornamental  trees  are  with 
equal  readiness  utilized.  The  nest  is  very  often  placed  in  an  elm  (  Ulmus  Americana')^ 
where  it  is  not  infrequently  in  a  practically  inaccessible  position  at  the  extremity  of  a 
long  drooping  'branch,  fifty  or  seventy-five  feet  from  the  ground.  Of  other  native 
trees,  the  buckeye  ( ^Esculus  glabra},  the  sycamore  (Platanus  occidentals)  and  maple 
(Acer  rubrum)  seem  to  be  most  frequently  chosen. 

The  measurements  of  six  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Beight. 

Depth. 

Inside 
top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  

7.00 

6.00 

2.00  x  1.75 

4.00  x  3.25 

3.75  x  3.00 

4.00  x  3.50 

3.25  x  3.00 

0.38  x  0.25 

2  

6.00 

5.00 

2.63x2.00 

8.50  x  3.00 

3.25  x  2.50 

4.00  x  4.00 

2.75  x  2.00 

0.50  x  0.06 

3  
4  

6.00 
575 

5.25 
5.25 

2.25  x  1.75 
2.00  x  1  50 

3  50  x  2.90 
3.50  x  3.25 

3.50  x  2.50 
3  50  x  2  50 

4.00  x  3.50 
400x350 

2.50  x  2.50 
3.00  x  2.50 

1.25  x  0.23 
1.00x0.20 

5  

6 

4.75 
400 

4.00 
375 

2.25  x  1.50 
3  00  x  2  00 

3.50  x  3.00 
4  35  x  3  50 

3.25  x  2.50 
8  25  x  2  25 

4.75  x  3.50 
4  75  x  4  25 

4.50  x  3.25 
4  50  x  3  25 

1.00x0.25 
0  50  x  0.10 

Average.. 

5.58 

4.88 

2.36  x  1.75 

3.73  x  3.15 

3.42  x  2  54 

4.25  x  3.71 

3.42  x  2.75 

0.77x0.19* 

THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  305 

SUBFAMILY  QUISCALIN/E.     CRACKLES. 

GENUS  SCOLECOPHAGUS   SWAINSON. 

105,  Scolecophagus  carolinus    (MULL.). 
Rusty  Blackbird. 

A  common  spring  and  fall  transient,  usually  quite  numerous  for  a  short  time  dur- 
ing both  these  seasons.  It  has  been  in  spring  noted  from  March  25  to  May  8,  though 
usually  arriving  about  the  middle  of  April  and  disappearing  by  the  first  of  May.  In 
fall  this  species  has  been  observed  from  October  2  (1893)  to  November  24  (1890). 

Throughout  both  its  migration  periods  it  moves  principally  in  flocks  of  less  than 
100,  often  in  parties  of  from  two  to  five  individuals ;  a  flock  of  400  was,  however,  seen 
April  23,  1893.  It  associates  frequently  with  Red-winged  Blackbirds;  also,  though 
less  commonly,  with  Bronzed  Crackles.  It  affects  preferably  the  marshes  and  swampy 
woods  on  the  bottom-lands,  but  has  been  observed  in  the  upland  forests  as  well. 

GENUS  QUISCALUS  VIEILLOT. 

SUBGENUS     QUISCALUS, 

106.  Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus  (RIDGW.). 
Bronzed  Grackle. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  arrives  usually  about  the  first  of  March, 
though  sometimes  as  early  as  February  25  (1890).  It  generally  disappears  before  the 
first  of  November,  but  during  the  winter  of  1892-3,  which  moreover,  was  not  espe- 
cially mild,  a  few  birds,  probably  the  same  individuals,  were  seen  at  intervals  until 
January  21,  in  fi.-lds  and  about  dwellings  on  the  outskirts  of  Wooster. 

Until  at  least  the  middle  of  April  this  species  may  be  seen  often  in  flocks,  which 
consist,  however,  of  usually  not  more  than  one  hundred  birds ;  while  even  during  the 
nesting  season  it  sometimes  assembles  into  small  companies,  especially  in  the  vicinity 
of  a  breeding  colony.  Subsequent  to  the  middle  of  June,  and  continuing  until  its  de- 
parture in  the  fall,  it  again  collects  into  flocks,  which  then  often  aggregate  several 
hundred  individuals. 

The  Bronzed  Grackle  congregates  in  numbers  at  its  roosting  places  every  night 
in  both  spring  and  fall,  but  especially  during  the  latter  season.  These  roosts  are  sit- 
uated in  the  trees  along  the  streets  of  the  towns,  about  rural  dwellings,  in  wood- 
lands or  in  swamps.  Such  a  roost  existed  in  the  town  of  Wooster,  and  was  occupied 
chiefly  from  June  to  August.  Frequently  here  the  birds  could  be  heard  at  night,  oc- 
casionally creating  among  themselves,  even  at  a  late  hour,  a  disturbance  sufficient  to 
be  audible  at  a  considerable  distance. 

The  Bronzed  Grackle  breeds  most  abundantly  in  the  vicinity  of  dwellings,  and 
for  nesting  purposes  seems  to  much  prefer  the  evergreen  trees ;  yet  nests  have  also 
been  observed  in  thorn  bushes  ( Cratcegus}  on  the  bottom-lands.  If  the  tree  selected 
be  a  spruce,  the  nest  is  usually  placed  close  to  the  trunk,  at  a  distance  from  the 
ground  varying  with  the  size  of  the  tree,  the  best  concealment  possible  being  appar- 
ently sought;  but  if  the  nest  be  in  a  pine,  it  is  generally  located  either  at  some 
distance  from  the  trunk  among  the  thick  foliage  of  a  horizontal  branch,  or  in  an 
upright  fork  near  the  very  top  of  the  tree. 


306 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


The  construction  of  the  nest  is  initiated  sometimes  early  in  April,  but  full  com- 
plements of  eggs  have  not  been  found  until  about  the  first  of  May.  Sets  of  eggs  have 
been  taken  from  May  6  to  Mav  24 ;  those  on  the  latter  date  being,  however,  from 
abandoned  nests.  The  eggs  appear  to  be  usually  five,  not  uncommonly  four  in  num- 
ber ;  and  they  are  quite  often  in  varying  stages  of  incubation. 

The  nests  are  by  no  means  always  easy  to  locate  among  the  thick  foliage  of  the 
evergreens,  the  conduct  of  the  parent  birds  being  at  times  decidedly  misleading. 
Where  a  number  of  pairs  breed  near  together,  careful  watching  is  frequently  neces- 
sary to  properly  discriminate  between  those  birds  which  visit  the  trees  for  the  purpose 
of  nest-building,  and  those  that  are  indifferently  moving  about.  Close  observation, 
managed  so  that  the  attention  of  the  birds  be  not  attracted,  will  reveal  the  fact  that 
the  female,  on  her  trips  to  the  nest  with  material  for  its  construction,  is  commonly  ac- 
companied by  the  male,  who  perches  upon  the  same  or  a  neighboring  tree,  while  his 
mate,  alighting  near  the  end  of  a  limb  and  slowly  working  her  way  inward,  finally 
disappears  among  the  foliage  close  to  the  nest.  Should,  however,  the  pair  imagine 
themselves  observed,  their  actions  are  apt  to  be  very  different ;  for  under  such  circum- 
stances they  wrill  sometimes  pass  by  the  tree  that  contains  the  nest,  and  alight  uncon- 
cernedly some  distance  away.  If  the  cause  of  their  distrust  be  not  removed,  no  visit 
to  the  nest  will  then  be  made ;  and  the  female  may  carry  her  deception  even  to  the 
extent  of  dropping  from  her  bill  the  grass  or  straw  that  she  holds,  thereupon  soon 
flying  with  her  mate  carelessly  away.  The  female  is  very  cautious  in  leaving  the  nest, 
and  is  not  readily  surprised  in  the  act  of  incubating.  A  nest  containing  eggs  not  far 
advanced  in  incubation,  if  even  once  examined,  is  liable  to  be  deserted  by  the  birds. 


Ten  nests  exhibit  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Height 

Depth 

Inside 
top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  

700 

3.00 

4.00x3.75 

4.00  x  3.75 

9.00  x  7.00 

9  00  x  4.50 

3.00  x  2.00 

2.50  x  1  50 

2  

4.50 

8.00 

4.63x3.34 

4.00  x  3.75 

7  50  x  6.00 

8.00  x  6  00 

6.50  x  2.50 

200x0.75 

3 

500 

2.63 

3.75  x  3.75 

4.00  x  3.75 

8.50  x  5.75 

6.50  x  5.75 

4.00  x  3.50 

3.00  x  0  75 

4  

450 

2.75 

4.25x3.50 

3.75  x  3.50 

7.50  x  5.00 

8.00  x  6.00 

6.00  x  5.00 

2.00x1.00 

5  

4.CO 

275 

4.00x3.50 

4.00  x  3.50 

7.00  x  6.00 

7.50  x  6.00 

5.00  x  4.00 

2.25x100 

6  

400 

2.75 

4.00x8.25 

4.00  x  3.25 

8.00  x  6.50 

8.50  x  6.00 

5.00  x  4.00 

2.50  x  1.00 

7     

3.00 

2.50 

400x3.25 

4.00  x  3.00 

7.50  x  6.00 

8.00  x  5.50 

6.00x300 

2.25  x  0  75 

8    

400 

2.25 

4.00x3.25 

4.00  x  3.00 

7.00  x  6.00 

8.00  x  5.50 

5.00  x  4.00 

2.!0  x  0.75 

9..  

400 

300 

450x4.50 

3.75  x  3.50 

8.50  x  7.00 

9.50  x  7.50 

6.00  x  5.00 

250  x  1.25 

10  

4.00 

300 

4.00x3.50 

3.50  x  3.50 

7  00  x  6.50 

9.00  x  7.00 

6.00  x  5.00 

2.00x1.25 

Average- 

440 

2.76 

4.11  x  3.56 

3.90  x  3.45 

7.75  x  6.18 

8.20  x  5  98 

5.25  x  3.80 

2.35  x  l.CO 

During  the  season  of  reproduction  this  species  does  not  hesitate  to  attack  even 
Crows  and  large  Hawks,  should  they  venture  too  near  its  breeding  ground ;  and  the 
harmless  Mourning  Dove,  which  nests  often  in  close  proximity  to  the  Grackle,  some- 
times, indeed,  in  the  same  tree,  is  also  very  frequently  thus  persecuted. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  307 

FAMILY  FRINGILLID/E.     FINCHES,  SPARROWS,  ETC. 
GENUS  CARPODACUS  KAUP. 

107.  Carpodacus  purpureus  (GMEL.). 
Purple  Finch. 

Apparently  very  rare,  the  writer's  only  records  being  as  follows :  Two  were  seen 
flying  across  the  Killbu^k  Valley,  near  Wooster,  September  25,  1892  ;  and  four  were 
observed  singing  in  a  swamp  in  about  the  same  locality,  on  October  2,  1892. 

A  single  male  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  George  Fabcr  was  said  to  have  teen  ob- 
tained about  1890. 

GENUS  ACANTHIS  BECHSTEIN. 

108.  Acanthis  linaria  (LINN.). 
Redpoll. 

A  very  irregular  winter  visitor.  This  species  has  not  been  observed  by  the  writer, 
and  the  only  record  available  is  that  furnished  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Henderson,  who  with 
reference  to  its  occurrence  writes  as  follows  :  — 

"In  regard  to  the  Redpolls,  the  date  I  have  marked  is  February  3,  1890.  They 
were  around  for  a  month  or  so,  and  were  quite  abundant.  I  saw  large  flocks  of  sev- 
eral hundred ;  and  they  used  to  feed  near  our  house  in  a  field  which  was  grown  up 
with  rag»veed.  I  shot  a  number  and  carefully  identified  them  at  the  time.  Both  in 
flight  and  note  they  resembled  the  Goldfinch,  but  could  without  great  difficulty  be 
distinguished." 

GENUS  SPINUS    KOCH. 

109.  Spinus  tristis   (LINN.). 
American  Goldfinch;  Thistle-bird. 

A  permanent  resident;  abundant  except  in  winter.  It  is  more  or  less  gregarious 
at  all  times,  though  perhaps  strictly  speaking  not  so  during  the  breeding  season,  yet 
small  companies  of  four  or  five  birds  have  even  then  been  observed.  It  is  present  in 
apparently  decreased  numbers  from  about  the  middle  of  June  until  the  middle  of 
July,  after  which  time  it  becomes  as  abundant  as  usual.  It  is  very  generally  distribu- 
ted, but  se.ms  during  the  nesting  season  to  have  some  preference  for  the  outskirts  of 
towns  and  the  vicinity  of  rural  dwellings. 

It  nests  commonly  in  ornamental  trees,  often  in  silver  maples  (Acer  saccharinum). 
A  nest  found  July  27,  1893,  was  situated  in  a  large  thistle  near  a  stream,  and  among 
surroundings  apparently  much  more  suited  to  the  Indigo  Bunting  than  to  the  present 
species.  Nest-building  is  usually  begun  late  in  July ;  the  eggs,  commonly  five  in 
number,  being  deposited  early  in  August. 

This  species  has  been  observed  feeding  upon  the  seeds  of  the  dandelion  (  Taraxacum 
Taraxacum},  wild  lettuce  (Lactuca  Canadensis},  common  thistle  (  Carduus  lanceolatus), 
rag-weed  (Ambrosia  artemist'ce  folia),  milkweed  (Asclepias  Syriaca)  and  common  beg- 


308 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


gar- ticks  (Bidcns  frondosa].  The  fact  that  it  feer's  upon  the  last  named  wcu'd  be,  if 
extensively  the  case,  sufficient  reason  for  carefully  protecting  the  Goldfinch  ;  since  this 
weed,  especially  on  the  bottom-lands,  is  exceedingly  abundant  and  troublesome. 

In  this  locality  the  American  Goldfinch  usually  begins  singing  early  in  April, 
and  continues  in  song  until  O  .tober,  having  been  heard  as  late  as  October  19  (1892). 
The  latest  date  of  singing  mentioned  by  Mr.  Bicknell1  is  August  30. 


GENUS  PLECTROPHENAX  STEJNEGER. 

110.  Plectrophenax  nivalis  (LINN.). 
Snowflake;  Snow  Bunting. 

A  winter  visitor ;  apparently  not  present  during  very  mild  winters,  though  irreg- 
ularly common  irr  severe  weather.  It  has  been  observed  only  in  January  and  Feb- 
ruary, and  not  later  than  the  twenty-fifth  of  the  latter  month.  It  occurs  chiefly  in 
flocks,  occasionally  in  company  with  Horned  Larks,  and  frequents  both  the  uplands 
and  the  bottoms.  A  company  of  125  Snowflakes  was  seen  near  Wooster,  along  the 
Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  R.  R.,  February  25,  1893.  The  birds  were 
very  tame,  and  were  apparently  engaged  in  picking  up  small  bits  of  cinders  from 
the  track. 

GENUS  POOC-ffiTES  BAIRD. 

111.  Poocaetes  gramineus  (GMEL.). 
Vesper  Sparrow;  Grass  Finch. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  arrives  not  later  than  April  5,  sometimes  bv 
March  18,  and  has  been  observed  to  remain  until  November  n  (1890). 

It  is  to  be  found  chiefly,  though  not  exclusively,  on  the  uplands,  moving  in  small 
loose  flocks  during  both  spring  and  fall. 

The  breeding  season  continues  from  early  in  May  until  July ;  eggs  having  been 
taken  between  the  dates  of  May  15  and  June  26,  inclusive.  Four  eggs  seem  to  consti- 
tute the  usual  complement  early  in  the  season,  but  later  on  three  is  apparently  a 
much  more  common  number.  Two  broods  are  probably  reared. 

Three  nests  measured  give  the  following  results : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameier. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

2.00 

1.50 

2.75  x  2.65 

2.90x280 

5.00  x  3.65 

4  75  x  4.50 

4.75  x  4.00 

1.75x0.50 

2...  

2.50 

2.00 

2.50x2.25 

2.38  x  2.12 

4.50x4.25 

3.75  x  3.00 

2.25  x  2.25 

1.00x0.63 

3  

250 

150 

2.50x225 

2.38x2.12 

3.75x3.50 

Average  ... 

2.33 

167 

2.58x2.38 

255x2.35 

4.42  x  3.80 

4.i5  x  3.75 

3.50x3.13 

1.38  x  0.57 

This  species  sings  regularly  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  until  into  August;    sub- 
sequently somewhat  sporadically  even  as  late  as  October  18. 


lAuk  I,  iS84,  p.  329. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  309 

GENUS  PASSER  BRISSON. 

112.  Passer  domesticus  (LINN.). 
European  House  Sparrow;  English  Sparrow. 

An  abundant  resident ;  very  generally  distributed  throughout  the  County.  It  of 
course  frequents  preferably  the  streets  of  the  towns,  but  is  in  very  many  places 
numerous  in  the  farming  districts,  where  it  may  be  seen  in  the  trees  and  shrubbery 
about  the  hous-s,  also  in  orchards,  hedges,  and  along  the  public  roads. 

Among  its  favorite  resorts  for  breeding  are  the  apple  orchards  its  nests  being 
built  among  the  branches  of  the  trees,  in  Woodpeckers'  excavations,  or  in  natural 
cavities  such  as  the  House  Wren  or  Bluebird  might  select.  It  is  in  this  section,  as 
everywhere,  a  great  nu:sance;  in  town  nesting  abundantly  behind  sign-boards,  under 
the  eaves,  and  in  all  sorts  of  nooks  about  the  buildings.  Nest-construction  is  some- 
times begun  in  February,  especially  if  the  season  be  mild.  Five  eggs  is  a  common 
complement. 

The  following  account  of  its  advent  into  Wayne  County  has  been  furnished  the 
writer  by  Dr.  J.  H.  Todd,  of  Wooster,  and  is  given  in  his  own  words : — 

"  In  the  fall  of  1876  a  li  tie  troop  of  nine  English  Sp?rrows  presented  themselves 
in  my  yard,  at  once  seemed  at  home,  and  assisted  the  chickens  in  disposing  of  their 
'food.  I  was  familiar  with  the  Sparrow  in  New  York,  but  they  were  a  novelty  in 
Wooster,  none  having  been  seen  by  any  one,  to  my  knowledge,  in  the  County  before. 
Many  people  came  to  see  them,  all  supposing  I  had  brought  them  ;  but  I  had  not,  and 
knew  no  more  of  where  they  came  from  tkan  any  of  the  numerous  visitors  that  went 
to  the  yard  to  see  them.  In  the  spring  they  left  as  mysteriously  as  they  had  come. 
The  next  fall  six  came  back,  and  from  that  time  on  the  Sparrow  was  a  permanent  resi- 
dent of  Wooster. 

GENUS  AMMODRAMUS  SWAINSON. 

SUBGENUS  PASSERCULUS  BONAPARTE. 

113.  Ammodranms  sandwichensis  savanna  (WILS.). 
Savanna  Sparrow'. 

A  transient  visitor ;  apparently  rare,  though  in  proper  localities  usually  to  be 
found  in  the  spring.  Not  observed  in  the  fall.  It  arrives  about  the  middle  of  April, 
the  sixteenth  of  this  month  being  the  earliest  date  recorded.  It  has  been  noted  only 
on  the  meadows  of  the  bottom-lands,  where  it  frequents  thickets,  fence-rows,  and  the 
grass  in  the  open  fields.  It  is  perhaps  more  common  than  the  notes  of  the  writer 
indicate. 

SUBGENUS   COTURNICULUS  BONAPARTE. 

114.  Ammodramus  savannarum  passerinus  (WILS.). 
Grasshopper  Sparrow ;  Yellow- winged  Sparrow. 

A  common  summer  resident.  It  arrives  in  May,  usually  about  the  middle  of  the 
month,  though  in  1892  it  was  noted  May  i.  It  has  not  been  observed  later  than 
August  20  (1893),  and  is  not  conspicuous  after  the  first  of  this  month. 


310  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

The  Grasshopper  Sparrow  is  somewhat  locally  distributed,  occurring,  according 
to  the  writer's  experience,  only  on  the  uplands,  and  there  preferring  fields  of  grass 
and  clover.  Many  places,  and  even  considerable  areas  of  country  where  favorable 
conditions  appear  to  exist,  have  been  found  untenanted  by  this  species. 

Although  the  nest  has  not  been  discovered,  young  in  the  streaked  first  plumage 
were  taken  in  a  field  near  Wooster,  July  18,  1892. 

This  species  sings  regularly  until  late  in  July;  in  1893  it  was  heard  on  the  twen- 
tieth of  August. 

GENUS  ZONOTRICHIA  SWAINSOX. 

115.  Zonotrichia  leucophrys  (FORST.). 
White-crowned  Sparrow. 

A  transient  visitor ;  tolerably  common  from  May  i  to  May  24,  but  apparently 
rare  in  the  fall.  For  the  latter  season  the  writer  has  only  one  record, — October  16, 
1892.  It  is  usually  not  seen  in  flocks,  and  does  not  commonly  associate  with  any  other 
species.  It  frequents  the  hedges,  thickets  and  fence-rows,  in  fields  and  along  the 
roads,  also  sometimes  appearing  on  the  outskirts  of  the  towns. 

116.  Zonotrichia  albicollis  (GMEL.). 
White-throated  Sparrow. 

An  abundant  transient  visitor.  It  has  been  observed  in  spring  from  April  10  to- 
May  17,  and  in  fall  from  September  29  to  November  8.  It  appears  to  be  considerably 
more  numerous  in  fall,  during  which  season  it  moves  in  loose  flocks,  sometimes  in 
company  with  Song  Sparrows  or  Tree  Sparrows ;  and  may  be  found  in  almost  any 
suitable  locality.  On  October  5,  1890,  eighty  White-throated  Sparrows  were  counted 
in  a  thicket  within  a  radius  of  twenty-five  feet. 

This  species  is  in  song  during  both  its  spring  and  fall  migrations,  and  has  been 
heard  singing  until  October  28;  though  the  fall  songs  are  not  as  a  rule  so  well  exe- 
cuted as  those  of  spring. 


GENUS  SPIZELLA  BONAPARTE. 

117.    Spizella  monticola  (GMEL.). 
Tree  Sparrow. 

An  abundant  winter  resident.  It  appears  in  fall  usually  before  November,  some- 
times by  the  first  of  October,  and  departs  generally  about  the  middle  of  April,  but 
lingered  in  1892  until  May  i. 

It  occurs  principally  in  flocks  of  less  than  fifty  individuals,  along  fence-rows,  in* 
thickets  and  weed-patches,  and  is  especially  numerous  in  the  swamps  on  the  bottom- 
lands. It  has  been  observed  associated  with  the  Junco,  Field  Sparrow,  Vesper  Spar- 
row and  House  Sparrow. 

It  cannot  be  considered  in  full  song  during  any  portion  of  its  sojourn  here,  but 
nearly  every  spring  some  individuals  may  be  heard  singing.  The  perfect  song  has- 
been  noted  as  early  as  February  5  (1891).  Less  commonly  is  its  song  heard  in  the 
fall,  having  been  noted  on  a  few  occasions  only,  from  October  28  to  November  13,  in- 
clusive. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


311 


118.    Spizella  socialis  (WILS.). 
Chipping  Sparrow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  The  first  week  in  April  is  its  usual  time  of  ar- 
rival, but  in  1894  it  was  first  seen  on  March  21.  It  has  not  been  observed  later  than 
October  16,  and  is  sometimes  apparently  absent  early  in  this  month. 

Nest-building  is  commonly  begun  during  the  first  part  of  May,  and  birds  have 
been  seen  carrying  nest  material  as  early  as  April  26  (1891).  The  latest  date  on 
which  anestwith  eggs  has  been  observed  is  July  10  (1892).  Where  such  are  available 
the  Chipping  Sparrow  seems  to  prefer  for  breeding  purposes  orchard  trees  or  small 
ornamental  evergreens,  the  nest  being  usually  placed  not  more  than  twelve  feet  from 
the  ground.  Apparently  two  broods  are  ordinarily  reared :  four  eggs,  sometimes 
three,  constitute  the  first  complement;  while  three  eggs,  or  not  infrequently  only  two, 
is  the  number  common  during  the  latter  part  of  the  season. 

Two  nests  measure  as  follows  : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 

middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  ^^  ^. 
2        

2.25 
2.00 

1.25 
1.20 

2.25x2.00 
2  00  x  1.75 

2.00x1.60 
2.00  x  1.85 

350x2.75 
3.50  x  2.75 

3.50x2.50 
4.00  x  3.00 

3  00  x  1.50 
4.00  x  2  50 

1.00x0.15 
1.10x0.40 

In  autumn  this  species  often  collects  into  small  flocks,  frequenting  then  the  fence- 
rows,  thickets  and  the  dryer  portions  of  the  swamps,  at  times  associating  with  various 
species  of  Sparrows  (including  the  ubiquitous  Passer  domesticus}  and  also  occasion- 
ally with  the  Bluebird. 

During  June  and  July  the  Chipping  Sparrow  is  often  heard  singing  after  dark, 
especially  before  midnight ;  and  it  is  in  spring  one  of  the  earliest  singers  of  the 
morning.  On  May  22,  1890,  it  was  first  heard  at  3  :2o  A.  M. 


119.    Spizella  pusilla  (WILS.). 
Field  Sparrow. 


A  summer  resident ;  abundant.  It  appears  generally  during  the  first  week  in 
April,,  sometimes  as  early  as  March  25  (1894),  and  disappears  commonly  before  the 
middle  of  October,  the  latest  date  on  which  it  has  been  noted  being  October  16 
(1891). 

In  spring  and  summer  it  is  to  be  found  chiefly  in  the  fields  on  the  uplands,  then 
not  in  flocks ;  but  in  the  fall  it  often  in  small  companies  frequents  regularly  also  the 
thickets  and  weed-patches  of  the  creek  bottoms.  During  the  latter  season  it  asso- 
ciates commonly  with  the  Chipping  Sparrow,  and  also,  though  apparently  less  fre- 
quently, with  several  other  species  of  Fringillida*. 

The  present  species  breeds  during  May  and  June,  along  fence-rows,  in  thickets, 
on  the  edges  of  woodland,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  human  dwellings;  placing  its  nests 
usually  in  low  bushes,  often  in  those  of  the  common  wild  blackberry  (Rubus  villosus). 

The  Field  Sparrow  sings  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  until  the  latter  part  of 
July,  not  having  been  heard  in  song  later  than  July  30  (1893).' 


312 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


GENUS  JUNCO  WAGLER. 

120.  Junco  hyemalis  (LINN.). 
Slate-colored  Junco;  Black  Snowbird. 

An  abundant  winter  resident.  It  makes  its  appearance  generally  during  the  lat- 
ter half  of  October,  although  it  was  in  1892  seen  on  October  2.  It  remains  until  late 
in  April ;  latest  in  1893,  when  it  was  noted  on  April  26. 

It  moves  much  in  companies  of  from  twenty  to  fifty  individuals,  seldom  more, 
though  a  flock  of  eighty  was  encountered  March  25,  1894.  I*  *s  often  found  with 
other  Sparrows,  particularly  Tree  and  Song  Sparrows.  Among  its  favorite  haunts  are 
the  borders  of  the  woods  and  the  thickets  on  the  bottom-lands,  where  during  fall  and 
winter  the  species  may  nearly  always  be  found. 

It  usually  sings  to  some  extent  during  March  and  April,  and  its  song  has  been 
heard  even  as  early  as  February  25  (1892). 

An  albino  specimen  of  this  species,  taken  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Henderson,  M^arch  9, 
1892,  was,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  isolated  patches  of  color,  entirely  white. 

GENUS  MELOSPIZA  BAIRD 

121.  Melospiza  fasciata  (GMEL.). 
Song  Sparrow. 

A  permanent  resident;  very  abundant  except  in  December  and  January.  In 
late  fall  and  winter  it  retires  principally  to  the  bottom-lands,  where  often  in  small 
flocks  it  seeks  the  shelter  of  the  dense  thickets.  At  this  time  it  feeds  more  or  less  ex- 
tensively on  the  seeds  of  the  ragweed  (Ambrosia  artemisiivfolia}. 

Nesting  is  begun  in  April,  full  complements  of  eggs  having  been  taken  on  the 
third  of  May  (1891).  Nests  with  eggs  have  not  been  noted  after  June  14,  but  the 
species  of  course  breeds  considerably  later  than  this  date.  Most  of  the  nests  observed 
have  been  in  moist  situations  on  the  bottom-lands.  A  low  bush  is  not  infrequently 
utilized  as  a  nesting  place.  The  nest  is  usually  very  carefully  concealed,  sometimes 
being  completely  roofed  over  by  growing  grass.  One  found  May  14,  1893,  was 
located  on  the  slope  of  a  railroad  embankment  only  a  few  inches  beyond  the  ends  of 
the  ties  and  where  the  sitting  bird  was  apparently  disturbed  by  every  passing  train. 

The  measurements  of  six  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

2.75 

1.75 

2  50  x  2.13 

2.50  x  2.25 

4  50  x  3  25 

4  25  x  4  00 

3  50  x  2  75 

1  25  x  0  38 

2  

2.50 

200 

2.63x2.50 

2.38  x  2.25 

5  00  x  4.25 

4.00x3.25 

2.75  x  2.00 

1.50x0.25 

3  

250 

1.75 

2  50  x  2  50 

2.63  x  2  25 

4  50  x  3.75 

4  

2.25 

1.50 

2  50  x  2.10 

2.50  x  2.30 

4.00x3.40 

4.25  x  3.50 

3  00  x  250 

l.CO  x  0.50 

5  

2.00 

1.75 

250x2.25 

2.50  x  2  25 

4.00x363 

4.50  x  4.00 

3.00x3.00 

1.25  x  0.50 

6  

3.00 

2.00 

2.75x2.50 

2.50x2.38 

4.75  x  3.50 

4.50  x  4.50 

8.75  x  3.50 

1.75x0.25 

Average  ... 

250 

1.79 

2.66  x  2.33 

2  50  x  2.28 

4.46  x  8.63 

4.30x3.85 

3.20x2.75 

1.35x0.38 

The  Song  Sparrow  has  been  heard  singing  in  every  month  of  the  year  excepting 
December,  but  the  season  of  its  best  song  is  from  about  the  first  of  March  until  the 
first  of  August,  and  from  late  in  September  to  the  latter  part  of  October.  The  music 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  313 


of  this  species  seems  to  be  of  remarkable  variability.  Within  a  week's  time  the 
writer  once  identified  some  fifteen  distinct  songs,  with  almost  endless  variations;  and 
the  repertoire  was  apparently  not  then  even  approximately  exhausted.  Striking  in- 
dividuality was  in  some  cases  evinced,  both  in  the  quality  as  well  as  in  the  character 
of  the  music;  the  different  birds  being  observed  morning  after  morning  at  the  same 
places  along  the  road,  singing  so  nearly  the  same  songs  that  it  became  to  a  degree 
possible  to  recognize  the  several  individuals  by  their  peculiarities.  Although  strictly 
speaking  a  slight  uncertainty  might  exist  in  rggard  to  the  fact  of  their  being  really 
the  same  birds  which  were  heard  thus  day  after  day  from  particular  fence  posts  or 
telegraph  poles,  as  the  case  might  be,  yet  the  circumstances  were  such  as  to  remove 
all  reasonable  doubt  of  their  identity. 

122.  Melospiza  georgiana  (LATH.). 
Swamp  Sparrow. 

A  rare  spring  and  fall  transient,  frequenting  the  swamps,  marshes  and  water- 
courses. The  writer  has  for  this  species  but  three  records,  which  are  as  follows : 
October  5,  1890;  May  3,  1891  ;  and  May  10,  1891  ;  two  individuals  having  been  ob- 
served on  each  of  these  dates.  It  is  perhaps  of  more  frequent  occurrence  than  is 
thus  indicated,  since  it  is  given  by  Wheaton1  as  a  common  transient  visitor. 

GENUS  PASSERELLA  SWAINSON.  , 

123.  Passerella  iliaca  (MERR.). 
Fox  Sparrow. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  visitor  from  March  18  to  April  12,  and  from  Oc- 
tober 19  to  October  31.  It  is  observed  chiefly  in  the  undergrowth  of  wooded  banks, 
and  in  thickets,  particularly  those  on  the  borders  of  woodland.  It  moves  often  in 
small  loose  flocks ;  and  occasionally  associates  with  Tree  Sparrows. 

GENUS  PIPILO  VIEILLOT. 

124.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus  (LINN.). 
Towhee;  Chew  ink. 

A  common  summer  resident.  The  dates  of  its  spring  arrival  range  from  March 
18  (1894)  to  April  6  (1890) ;  the  male  generally  appearing  a  few  days  in  advance  of 
the  female.  It  usually  disappears  soon  after  the  middle  of  October,  the  latest  date 
on  which  it  has  been  observed  being  October  25  (1891). 

This  species  may  be  found  in  the  thickets  of  both  the  uplands  and  the  bottoms, 
and  also,  though  rather  exceptionally,  in  the  vicinity  of  human  dwellings.  Some- 
times during  the  migrations  it  is  seen  in  scattered  companies  of  four  or  five  individ- 
uals ;  but  is  seldom  accompanied  by  birds  of  another  species. 

The  breeding  season  is  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  occasionally  found  in  a  low 
bush ;  and  not  infrequently  contains  eggs  of  the  Cowbird. 

The  Towhee  may  be  heard  in  song  soon  after  its  arrival,  and  until  the  latter  part 
of  July,  though  it  does  not  sing  so  steadily  during  this  month.  The  date  of  latest 
song  noted  is  /uly  27  (1893). 


1  Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  p.  330. 


314 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


GENUS  CARDINALIS  BONAPARTE. 

125.     Cardinalis  cardinalis  (LINN.). 
Cardinal;  "Red  Bird." 

Resident  throughout  the  year ;  abundant.  Here  almost  universally  known  by 
the  name  of  ''Red  Bird."  It  is  most  numerous  in  the  thickets  and  the  swamps  on  the 
bottom-lands,  and  in  the  many  wooded  ravines  adjacent.  It  is,  however,  found  regu- 
larly in  suitable  situations  on  the  uplands,  as  well  as  in  the  door-yards  and  along  the 
shaded  streets  of  the  towns.  Although  during  the  co  dest  weather  evincing  an  ap- 
parent inclination  to  gather  into  the  more  sheltered  locations,  the  species  may,  both 
winter  and  summer,  be  found  in  much  the  same  situations.  It  is  occasionally  ob- 
observed  in  company  Avith  other  species,  such  as  the  Junco,  Fox  Sparrow,  House 
Sparrow,  and  even  the  Rob;n. 

Nest-building  begins  late  in  April,  and  eggs  have  been  found  until  June  15, 
but  the  first  three  weeks  of  May  seem  to  constitute  the  height  of  the  breeding  sea- 
son. The  nest  is  commonly  well  concealed  in  a  bush  or  ornamental  evergreen,  and 
is  usually  less  than  ten,  often  but  two  or  three,  feet  from  the  ground. 

The  measurements  of  three  nests  are  as  follows  : 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

jSJrasff 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

5.25 

200 

2.88x275 

2.50x250  ;      6.50x5.00 

5.25x4.75 

4.00  x  3  50 

1.50x0.56 

2  

400 

2.50 

3.50x3.00 

2.75x2.50  !      6.50x5.50 

4.50  x  4.50 

3.75x2.25 

1.75  x  0.75 

3  

350 

175 

2  50  x  1.38 

2  25  x  1  75         6.00  x  5.00 

8  00  x  5  50 

5  25  x  4  75 

1  50  x  0  7& 

Average... 

4.25 

208 

2.96x2.38 

250x225        6.33x5.17 

5.92  x  4.92 

4.33  x  3.50 

1.58  x  0.69 

The  female,  when  flushed  from  the  nest,  leaves  quietly,  and  ordinarily  seeks  to 
avoid  subsequent  observation.  The  well  known  propensity  of  this  species  to  desert 
its  breeding  place  upon  slight  provocation  renders  accurate  observation  upon  the 
nest  a  matter  of  some  difficulty.  According  to  the  writer's  experience,  a  first  visit^ 
if  due  caution  be  exercised,  will  not  usually  result  in  abandonment,  even  should  the 
female  be  in  the  vicinity  at  the  time ;  but  a  second  inspection  is  quite  certain  to  re- 
sult disastrously.  A  nest  begun  on  April  28,  1891,  was  ascertained  to  contain  two 
eggs  on  May  6 ;  which  data  would  determine  the  approximate  period  of  its  construc- 
tion as  five  or  six  days.  In  all  but  one  of  the  nests  examined  the  maximum  number 
of  eggs  has  been  two ;  the  single  exception  containing  three  eggs,  one  of  which  was 
fresh,  the  others  being  five-eighths  incubated  (May  15,  1891).  These  circumstance* 
suggest  the  possibility  that  other  sets  of  two  eggs,  if  allowed  to  remain  a  sufficient 
length  of  time,  might  have  been  augmented  in  a  similar  manner. 

This  species  apparently  sings  little  during  the  winter  months,  but  begins  to  be 
heard  usually  about  the  later  part  of  February, — the  twenty-third  of  this  month 
( 1890)  being  the  earliest  record.  The  regular  song  period  is  carried  well  into  August, 
after  which  time  the  singing  is  more  or  less  intermittent,  continuing,  however,  in 
some  seasons  until  October  28. 

The  Cardinal  is  possessed  of  no  mean  imitative  ability,  of  which,  however,  it 
does  not  seem  to  make  frequent  exhibition,  and  in  regard  to  which  little  has  appar- 
ently beei  written.  On  February  23,  1890,  a  male  Cardinal  was  heard  singing  on 
one  of  the  main  streets  of  Wooster,  but  so  closely  did  the  song  resemble  in  every  re- 
spect the  "purly,  purly"  of  the  Tufted  Titmouse,  that  until  the  performer  showed 
himself  in  plain  sight  and  in  the  very  act  of  uttering  these  notes,  the  belief  that  they 
proceeded  from  such  a  source  was  impossible.  Similar  remarks  will  equally  apply  to 
another  Cardinal,  which  was  very  successful  in  reproducing  the  common  call  of  the 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


315 


Flicker — imitating  it  indeed  so  perfectly  as  to  almost  induce  an  erroneous  note-book 
-entry. 

GENUS  HABIA   REICHENBACH. 

126.    Habia  ludoviciana  (LINN.). 
Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Its  spring  arrival  generally  occurs  during  the 
first  week  of  May.  April  28  (1891)  being  the  earliest  record.  It  remains  until  Sep- 
tember, having  been  latest  noted  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  this  month.  It  is  found  in 
suitable  locations  both  on  the  uplands  and  on  the  bottoms,  but  is  apparently  most 
numerously  represented  on  and  near  the  latter. 

The  species  was  unusually  abundant  during  the  breeding  season  of  1890.  In  the 
months  of  May  and  June  of  that  year  there  were  found  by  the  writer,  without  special 
search,  within  four  miles  of  Wooster,  twenty-two  occupied  nests ;  nearly  three  times 
the  number  recorded  for  any  other  year.  Certain  extensive  thickets  lying  for  some 
distance  along  both  sides  of  the  track  of  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  R. 
R.,  and  adjacent  to  large  swamps,  seemed  to  have  a  special  attraction  for  the  birds, 
since  here  within  a  radius  of  fifty  yards  were  found  during  that  season  eleven  nests. 
The  next  year  the  same  thicket  yielded  on  careful  search  only  three  or  four  nests. 

Eggs  of  this  species  have  been  noted  from  May  17  to  July  10  (1892),  but  the  lat- 
ter date  must  be  considered  somewhat  exceptional,  as  a  large  majority  of  the  nests 
discovered  have  been  between  the  twenty-fifth  of  May  and  the  twelfth  of  June.  The 
number  of  eggs  is  rather  more  commonly  three  than  four,  while  five  have  been  but 
once  observed. 

The  nest  is  placed  usually  not  over  twelve,  yet  sometimes  twenty  feet  from  the 
ground ;  and  while  no  particular  preference  appears  to  be  shown,  the  thorn 
{Cratcegus}  is  as  frequently  as  any  other  bush  chosen  as  its  site.  The  nest  is  seldom  found 
in" an  orchard,  but  one  discovered  June  12,  1892,  was  so  situated.  It  is  often  located 
in  a  comparatively  exposed  position,  with  apparently  no  attempt  at  concealment;  and 
is,  moreover,  occasionally  so  loosely  constructed  that  the  eggs  may  be  counted  from 
below.  On  June  5,  1892,  a  set  of  eggs  was  taken  from  the  same  bush — an  elder  (Sam- 
bucus  Catuidotsis) — from  which  also  the  year  previous  eggs  had  been  collected,  possi- 
bly from  the  same  pair  of  birds. 

A  series  of  ten  nests  exhibits  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside 
top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

350 

2.25 

3.00  x  3.00 

2.75  x  2.75 

6.00  x  4.50 

5.00  x  4  50 

3.00  x  2  25 

1.75x0.13 

2  

3.25 

1.50 

3.25  x  2.75 

2.75  x  2.25 

5  50  x  4.50 

4  50  x  4.50 

2.00  x  2.CO 

2.00  x  0.13 

3  

3.25 

2.00 

3.25  x  3.00 

2.75  x  2.75 

6.00  x  5  50 

6.00  x  5.25 

4.00  x  3  00 

2  50  x  0.75 

4.... 

3.50 

1.75 

3.38x3.00 

2.75  x  2.63 

6.50  x  4.75 

7.00  x  6.00 

5.00  x  2.00 

2.00  x  0.38 

5 

450 

159 

3.00  x  3.00 

2.63  x  2.63 

6.50  x  5.50 

7.00  x  5/0 

450x400 

2.00  x  0  88 

6  

3.50 

2.00 

2  88  x  2.75 

2.88  x  2.63 

5.00  x  4.50 

5.50  x  5.50 

7.00  x  3.00 

1.63x0.63 

"7. 

3.50 

2.00 

3.25  x  2.75 

2.75x2.63 

6.00  x  4.75 

6.00  x  4.50 

5.00  x  2  00 

2.00  x  O.£0 

&...  

2.75 

1.88 

3.13  x  3.00 

2.75x263 

6.00  x  5  00 

6.00  x  5.00 

5.50  x  3  50 

2  00  x  0.50 

9  

3.25 

1.75 

3.23x2.88 

2.88  x  2  75 

4.75  x  4.25 

7.50  x  7.00 

7.50  x  7.00 

1.00  x  0.25 

10  

3.25 

1.75 

3.25  x  3.00 

3.fOx275 

5.50  x  4.75 

4.75  x  4/0 

3.50  x  3.50 

1.50x031 

Average  .. 

3.43 

1.84 

316x291 

2.79x2.64 

578x480 

5.93  x  5.13 

4.70  x  3  23 

1.84  x  0  45 

316  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


The  male  apparently  to  a  considerable  extent  shares  the  duty  of  incubation,  for  he 
has  quite  as  frequently  as  the  female  been  discovered  on  the  nest.  The  sitting  parent 
is  not  readily  disturbed,  often  remaining  until  almost  touched  by  the  hand. 

The  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  continues  in  song  through  May  and  June,  but  does 
not  appear  to  sing  much  after  the  middle  of  July,  its  song  not  having  been  heard 
later  than  July  10  (1893). 

This  species  has  been  observed  in  the  latter  part  of  July  feeding  upon  the  seeds 
of  the  milkweed  (Asclepias  Syriaca.} 


GENUS  PASSERINA  VIEILLOT. 
127.    Passerina  cyanea  (LINN.). 

Indigo  Bunting. 


A  summer  resident;  ordinarily  abundant,  yet  apparently  not  every  year  equally 
numerous.  The  earliest  date  of  its  spring  arrival  is  April  24  (1892),  though  it  does 
not  usually  appear  until  the  second  week  in  May.  It  remains  until  October,  and 
while  not  observed  later  than  the  seventh  of  the  month,  this  perhaps  does  not  repre- 
sent the  limit  of  its  stay. 

The  species  is  found  on  both  the  uplands  and  the  bottoms,  although  it  seems  to  be, 
at  least  locally,  more  abundant  on  the  latter,  where  in  late  summer  and  in  the  fall  it 
assembles  into  small  flocks,  frequenting  then  chiefly  the  thickets  and  patches  of  high 
weeds.  At  this  time  it  is  often  associated  with  other  Sparrows,  particularly  the  Field 
Sparrow  and  the  Song  Sparrow.  For  a  bird  so  common,  its  nests  seem  in  this  locality 
to  be  easily  overlooked,  since  a  large  amount  of  careful  searching  has  resulted  in  the 
discovery  of  but  a  single  nest  containing  eggs,  this  being  on  June  22,  1890. 

The  song  of  this  species  may  be  heard  from  the  time  of  the  bird's  appearance  in 
spring  until  late  in  July,  but  it  has  not  been  detected  later  than  July  30  (1893).  On 
one  occasion  a  male  was  observed  singing  on  the  wing,  much  after  the  manner  of  the 
Bobolink,  continuing  his  song  until  in  soaring  flight  he  reached  the  ground. 


GENUS  SPIZA  BONAPARTE. 

128.    Spiza  americana  (GMEL.). 

Dickcissel;  Black- throated  Bunting. 

A  rare  summer  resident.  Arrives  in  May,  the  third  of  the  month  being  the 
earliest  date  recorded.  It  was  not  observed  during  1893.  The  writer  is  informed  by 
Mr.  W.  E.  Henderson  that  this  species  was  present  in  much  more  than  ordinary 
numbers  and  was  common  during  the  summer  of  1894.  A  nest  containing  four  fresh 
eggs  was  taken  by  the  same  gentleman  on  July  8  of  that  year. 

The  Dickcissel  is  almost  exclusively  a  bird  of  the  upland  fields,  being  very  rarely 
noted  anywhere  on  the  bottom-lands,  even  in  the  spring. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


317 


FAMILY  TANAGRID/E.     TANAGERS. 
GENUS  PIRANGA  VIEILLOT. 

129.    Piranga  erythromelas  VIEILL. 
Scarlet  Tanager. 

A  common  summer  resident,  but  usually  most  numerous  during  the  spring  migra- 
tion. The  dates  of  its  arrival  vary  from  May  i  to  May  7,  and  it  lingers  in  fall  usually 
until  late  in  September,  being  in  1890  last  observed  on  October  3. 

The  breeding  season  begins  about  the  middle  of  May,  completed  nests  having 
been  noted  on  the  twenty-second  of  this  month.  It  is  exceptional  to  find  other  than 
incubated  eggs  after  the  middle  of  June.  While  a  woodland  situation  is  commonly 
chosen,  an  orchard  tree  is  not  infrequently  the  nesting  site,  particularly  if  the  orchard 
be  in  proximity  to  a  tract  of  woods. 

The  measurements  of  four  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

iQMde 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside, 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  
2  

8.00 
3.00 

1.75 
1.75 

2.75  x  2.50 
2.25  x  2.25 

2.25  x  2.25 
2.25  x  2.25 

5.50  x  4.00 
4.25  x  3.50 

6.CO  x  4.50 
5.00  x  4.00 

3.50  x  2.50 
3.75  x  3.25 

2.25  x  0.50 
1.00  x~0.35 

3  

2.00 

1.25 

2  50  x  2.25 

2.25  x  2.10 

4.25  x  3.50 

5.25  x  3.75 

3.75  x  2.75 

1.25  x  0.50 

4  

3.50 

2.00 

3.00  x  2.50 

3.00  x  2  45 

6.00  x  4  25 

5.50  x  4.50 

400x350 

1.80  x  0.50 

Average 

2.88 

1.69 

2.63  x  2.38 

2  44  x  2.26 

5.00  x  3.81 

5.44  x  4.19 

3.75  x  3.00 

1.58  x  0.46 

This  species  is  a  frequent  nurse  of  the  Cowbird,  and  often  when  the  egg  of  this 
imposter  is  present  only  two  or  three  eggs  of  the  Tanager  are  deposited.  In  fact, 
one  nest  that  was  carefully  watched  from  the  time  of  its  construction  until  incubation 
of  the  eggs  was  nearly  half  completed,  contained  but  one  egg  of  its  owrner  and  one 
of  the  Cowbird. 

The  Scarlet  Tanager  begins  to  sing  soon  after  its  arrival,  and  continues  in  song 
until  late  in  July.  It  has  not  been  heard  subsequent  to  the  twenty-seventh  of  this 
month. 

FAMILY  HIRUNDINID/E.     SWALLOWS. 
GENUS  PROGNE  BOIE. 

130.    Progne  subis  (LINN.). 
Pnrple  Martin. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  makes  its  spring  appearance  generally  between 
the  first  and  the  eighth  of  April,  though  in  1892  it  was  seen  on  March  25.  It  usually 
disappears  during  the  latter  part  of  August  or  the  first  days  of  September;  a  solitary 
individual,  however,  was  noted  on  September  20,  1893. 

A  Martin  box  on  one  of  the  main  streets  of  Wooster  is  every  spring  regularly 
preempted  by  the  House  Sparrows  before  the  arrival  of  the  rightful  tenants.  The 


318  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

Martins  appear  to  be  in  this  case  more  than  a  match  for  the  Sparrows,  for  after  a 
contention  lasting  rarely  more  than  three  or  four  days,  always  succeed  in  effectually 
expelling  the  intruders. 

The  first  brood  of  young  is  hatched  some  time  during  the  latter  part  of  May,  and 
the  second  about  four  or  five  weeks  later.  After  the  young  of  the  earliest  brood  leave 
the  nest — which  event  occurs  ordinarily  about  the  middle  of  June — the  Martins  every 
year  congregate  almost  daily  in  the  main  streets  of  Wooster,  roosting  at  night  chiefly 
under  the  eaves  of  the  higher  buildings,  wherever  suitable  places  are  available.  These 
gatherings  vary  from  ten  to  one  hundred  birds,  reaching  their  maximum  size  in  the 
latter  part  of  July  and  the  first  part  of  August,  -after  which  time  they  gradually 
diminish.  They  are  at  first  to  a  large  extent  composed  of  young  birds  and  adult 
males.  Until  August  the  birds  are  observed  to  alight  principally  on  the  telegraph 
wires  and  the  cornices  of  the  higher  buildings,  but  subsequently  they  appear  to  much 
prefer  the  court-house  and  its  tall  weathervaned  tower.  They  are  most  active  between 
sunset  and  dark,  and  their  cackling  cry  may  at  this  hour  be  almost  incessantly  heard. 
1  hey  grow  somewhat  less  noisy  as  the  season  advances,  but  so  long  as  they  remain 
do  not  usually  become  entirely  silent. 

The  Martin  is  one  of  the  first  birds  astir  in  the  morning,  and  in  May  its  note  is 
frequently  to  be  heard  by  half-past  three  o'clock. 

This  species  has  been  seen  to  pursue  and  to  all  appearances  greatly  annoy  the 
Redtailed  Hawk,  but  for  just  what  purpose  was  not  apparent. 

GENUS  PETROCHELIDON  CABAMS 

131.  Petrochelidon  lunifrons  (SAY). 
Cliff  Shallow. 

A  common  summer  resident,  but  very  locally  distributed  during  the  breeding 
season.  It  arrives  between  the  middle  of  April  and  the  first  of  May,  the  earliest  date 
being  April  16  (1893).  It  seems  to  practically  disappear  early  in  August,  and  has 
not  been  observed  later  than  the  twenty-fifth  of  this  month  (1890).  It  has  been 
observed  associated  with  no  other  species  save  the  Barn  Swallow. 

Only  one  breeding  colony  of  any  considerable  size  has  been  noted  ;  this  having 
been  tenanted  continuously  for  a  number  of  years. 

Incubation  of  the  first  complement  of  eggs  begins  about  the  middle  of  May  ;  of 
the  second  about  five  weeks  later. 

GENUS  CHELIDON  FORSTER. 

132.  Chelidon  erythrogastra  (BODD.). 
Earn  Swallow, 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  It  arrives  usually  about  April  20,  but  in  1893 
Avas  first  seen  on  April  9.  It  remains  until  late  in  August,  not,  however,  having 
been  noted  after  the  twenty-fifth  of  this  month. 

The  breeding  season  begins  about  the  middle  of  May,  and  commonly  continues 
until  July,  two  broods  being  probably  reared. 

On  June  17,  1891,  there  was  discovered  in  a  barn  the  remains  of  a  nest  that  had 
fallen  from  the  side  of  the  rafter  to  which  it  had  been  secured  ;  this  accident  having 
of  course  resulted  in  the  death  of  the  young  birds.  The  parents,  nothing  daunted, 
•were  constructing  a  second  nest  in  exactly  the  same  location,  and  on  July  i  the  female 
was  found  sitting  upon  two  incubated  eggs. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


319 


Two  nests  of  this  species  present  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  
2.... 

4.00 
2.00 

150 
1.50 

3.00  x  2.83 
3  00  x  2.50 

2.50 
2.00 

5.25  x  3.50 
4.50  x  3.00 

5.00  x  3.00 

4.00  x  1.50 
4.00  x  2  50 

1.50  x  0.25 

The  wires  of  the  telegraph  lines  afford  of  course  favorite  places  of  rendezvous  for 
this,  as  well  as  other  species  of  Swallows,  and  it  is  no  unusual  occurrence  to  see  a  whole 
brood  of  young  marshalled  upon  the  wires,  while  the  parent  birds  busily  engage  them- 
selves providing  food  for  the  voracious  appetites  of  their  offspring.  The  habit  these 
Swallows  have,  of  at  times  fluttering  along  close  to  the  surface  of  a  small  pond,  instead 
of  skimming  swiftly  over,  gives  them  more  the  appearance  of  huge  butterflies  than  of 
birds,  and  is  an  interesting  performance. 

The  Barn  Swallow  is  more  or  less  gregarious  even  during  at  least  a  portion  of 
the  breeding  season,  but  is  most  noticeably  so  in  the  months  of  July  and  August.  At 
this  time  companies  of  fifty  individuals  are  commonly  encountered,  and  on  July  27, 
1893,  a  flock  of  300  was  observed. 

In  the  spring  of  1891  a  perfect  albino  of  this  species  was  secured  from  among  a 
number  of  other  Barn  Swallows,  by  Mr.  E.  N.  Freeman,  of  Orrville.  By  reason  of  the 
inconsiderable  development  of  the  tail  feathers  the  specimen  was  presumed  to  be  a 
female.  It  was  nearly  pure  white,  the  only  observable  diagnostic  character  of  the 
plumage  being  the  normal  white  tail  markings,  made  discernible  by  the  somewhat 
more  dusky  appearance  of  the  remaining  portions  of  the  rectrices. 


GENUS  TACHYCINETA    CABANIS. 

133.    Tachycineta  bicolor   (VIEILL.). 
Tree  Swallow. 

A  very  rare  summer  resident ;  somewhat  more  common  during  the  spring  migra- 
tion, but  not  observed  in  the  fall.  It  seems  to  be  quite  irregular  and  very  few  records 
are  available.  Its  earliest  appearance  was  noted  in  1893,  when  six  were  seen  on  April 
9.  On  May  15,  1892,  a  flock  of  103  and  another  of  85  were  observed  on  the  bottoms 
near  Wooster,  but  other  than  this  never  more  than  six  have  been  ^seenTon  any  one 
date.  It  has  only  twice  been  noticed  in  summer  :  on  June  14,  1891,  and  on  July  17,  1892 


GENUS  STELGIDOPTERYX  BAIRD. 


134.    Stelgidopteryx  serripennis  (AUD.). 
.  Rough-winged  Swallow. 

A  common  summer  resident.  The  dates  of  its  spring  arrival  range  from  April, 
8  to  April  21.  It  was  observed  latest  in  1890,  when  it  was  seen  on  August  24. 

During  the  summer  it  is  confined  principally  to  the. bottom-lands,  where  usually, 
'but  not  always,  it  breeds  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  running  water.  Nesting  begins 

6     B.  W.  C. 


320 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


late  in  May  or  early  in  June,  and  the  complement  of  five  or  six,  rarely  seven,  eggs  is 
generally  completed  between  the  first  and  the  fifteenth  of  the  latter  month.  The 
nest  is  situated  either  in  a  convenient  crevice  of  a  stone  culvert  or  bridge  abut- 
ment, or  else  in  an  excavation  in  the  perpendicular  face  of  the  bank  of  a  creek. 
When  the  last  location  is  selected,  the  length  of  the  burrow  ranges  from  twenty  to 
sixty  inches.  This  passage  has  an  average  diameter  of  three  and  one-half  inches, 
but  is  somewhat  enlarged  at  the  nest,  which  is  placed  three  to  eighteen  inches  from 
its  inner  extremity.  This  latter  distance  does  not  seem  to  be  proportionate  to  the 
length  of  the  burrow,  but  varies  indefinitely. 

The  composition  of  the  nest  includes  straw,  grass  and  weedstalks ;  and  its  lining 
consists  of  fine  grass,  small  leaves  of  some  species  of  willow,  with  sometimes  the 
stalk  leaves  of  wheat  or  other  similar  grain,  but  no  feathers  of  any  description.  The 
willow  leaves  have  been  present  in  all  the  nests  examined,  and  seem  to  be  a  character- 
istic feature.  The  nest  is  loosely  constructed,  and  is  sometimes  quite  bulky. 

Five  nests  afford  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Beight. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

j                    '          

2.50 

1.25 

2.50  x  2.25 

8  50  x  4.34 

7.50  x  4.00 

3.CO  x  0.25 

2                             

?.oo 

075 

2  75  x  1.75 

7.CO  x  3.50 

g                     M  

250 

1.25 

2  50  x  2.00 

6.50  x  4  50 

4                                                          •     •   •• 

275 

1.25 

2.50  x  2  25 

7.00  x  4.50 

10.00  x  4.50 

2  00  x  0.88 

E                                                                                                                                ....... 

3.CO 

1.25 

2.62  x  2  50 

6.00  x  5.00 

2.55 

1.15 

2.58  x  2.15 

7.00  x  4.1  7 

8  75  x  4  25 

2  50  x  0.57 

As  will  be  noticed,  the  maximum  outside  bottom  diameter  is  sometimes  much 
greater  than  that  at  the  top,  but  this  is  partially  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  the 
lower  portion  of  the  nest  is  often  so  loose  that  anything  like  accurate  measurement 
is  practically  impossible.  The  frequent  great  difierence  between  the  extremes  of 
similar  outside  dimensions  of  the  same  nest  is  of  course  due  to  the  greater  possibilitv 
for  extending  the  nest  longitudinally  in  the  passage. 

A  nest  despoiled  of  its  contents  in  1891  was  the  next  year  tenanted  by  possibly 
the  same  pair ;  but  this  is  apparently  an  exceptional  occurrence,  since  the  same  breed- 
ing place  is  rarely  occupied  two  years  in  succession  The  incubating  female  is  with- 
out difficulty  induced  to  fly  out,  a  stick  thrust  into  the  passage  generally  proving  im- 
mediately effective,  though  sometimes  the  bird  withdraws  into  the  burrow  beyond 
the  nest. 

FAMILY  AMPELID/E.     WAXWINGS,  ETC. 

SUBFAMILY  AMPELIN/E.     WAXWINGS. 

GENUS  AMPELIS    LINN^US. 

135.    Ampelis  cedrorum  (VIEILL.). 
Cedar  Waxwing. 

Irregularly  abundant ;  probably  a  permanent  resident,  though  rarely  observed 
during  the  winter  months.  It  is  generally  seen  in  flocks,  except  during  the  breeding 
season  ;  but  is  seldom  associated  with  other  species. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


321 


Nest-building  is  begun  sometimes  by  the  first  of  June,  and  the  four  or  five  yoang 
.are  usually  well  fledged  by  the  middle  of  July.  Most  of  the  nests  observed  have 
<been  situated  in  apple  orchards. 


FAMILY  LANIID/E.     SHRIKES. 
GENUS  LANIUS    LINNAEUS. 


NORTHERN  SHRIKE,  REDUCED. 

136.    Lanius  borealis  VIEILL. 

Northern  Shrike  ;  Butcher-bird. 

A  tolerably  common  winter  resident.  It  is  probably  present  every  year,  al- 
though in  apparently  somewhat  irregular  numbers.  Specimens  in  the  writer's  col- 
lection were  taken  on  November  5  and  December  26,  1892. 


137.    Lanius  ludovicianus  excubitorides  (SWAINS.). 
White-rumped  Shrike. 

A  tolerably  common  summer  resident  from  March  25  to  September  21.  It  seems 
to  be  more  frequently  observed  on  the  bottoms,  though  occurring  also  on  the  up- 
lands. 

Two  nests  taken  were  situated  in  a  moist  meadow  along  Killbuck  Creek.  They 
were  respectively  four,  and  four  and  one-half  feet  from  the  ground,  and  quite  well 
concealed  both  being  placed  in  thorn  bushes  (Cratcegus).  The  materials  consisted 
of  twigs  of  the  thorn  bushes,  weedstalks,  grass  and  straw ;  with  a  neat  lining  of  fine 
grass,  gray  vegetable  fibres,  moss  and  cattle-hair.  One  of  these  nests  was  taken 
June  7,  1890,  and  contained  five  eggs,  which  were  three-eighths  incubated ;  the  other 
on  May  29,  1892,  and  contained  six  eggs,  in  which  incubation  was  one-eighth  ad- 
vanced. 

The  measurements  of  these  two  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Height 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

4.50 

2.00 

3.00  x  2.75 

3.00  x  2.75 

5.50  x  4.50 

6.00  x  4.00 

4.00  x  2.00 

2.00  x  0.75 

2  

6.00 

300 

3.50  x  2  75 

3.25  x  3.12 

7.00  x  5.50 

6.00  x  5  50 

5.50  x  5.CO 

1.75  x  0.63 

322 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


Mr.  \V.  E.  Henderson  mentions  the  discovery  of  a  nest  containing  seven  eggs,, 
•which  seems  sufficiently  unusual  to  be  worthy  of  record. 

The  breeding  Shrikes  of  this  County  are  intermediate  between  Lanius  ludovici- 
anus  and  L.  ludoricianus  cxcubitorides,  but  judging  from  the  specimens  examined, 
they  appear  on  the  whole  to  most  closely  approach  the  latter,  and  may,  at  least  for 
the  present,  stand  as  such. 

FAMILY  VIREONID/E.     VIREOS. 
GENUS  VIREO    VIEILLOT. 


SUBGEXUS  VIREOSYLVA  BONAPARTE. 


138. 


Vireo  olivaceus  (LINN.). 
Red -eyed  Vireo. 


A  common  summer  resident.  Its  spring  arrivals,  as  noted,  are  from  May  3  to 
15,  inclusive.  The  latest  fall  date  is  October  3  (1891),  but  the  species  generally  dis- 
appears in  September. 

It  affects  both  the  uplands  and  the  lowlands,  but  is  for  the  most  part  confined  to 
the  woods,  breeding  preferably  in  the  timbered  ravines  and  near  the  borders  of  the 
forests. 

The  Red-eyed  Vireo  sings  steadily  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  until  about  the 
middle  of  August,  and  thereafter  more  or  less  intermittently  usually  as  long  as  it  re- 
mains, the  latest  song  date  being  October  3  (1891). 

139.    Vireo  gilvus   (VIEILL.). 
Warbling  Vireo. 

An  abundant  summer  resident;  somewhat  more  numerous  at  the  time  of  the 
spring  migration.  It  appears  ordinarily  during  the  first  week  of  May,  and  remains 
until  late  in  September.  Extreme  dates  are  April  28,  1891,  and  October  2,  1892. 

In  most  situations  excepting  the  woodlands,  the  present  species,  particularly  dur- 
ing the  breeding  season,  replaces  to  a  great  extent  the  Red-eyed  Vireo.  It  occurs 
most  commonly  along  the  sparsely  timbered  portions  of  the  streams,  as  well  as  in  the 
vicinity  of  rural  dwellings  and  the  well  shaded  streets  of  the  towns. 

The  nesting  season  is  initiated  during  the  latter  part  of  May,  and  eggs  may  be 
obtained  at  almost  any  time  in  June  The  breeding  place  preferred  seems  to  be  an  apple 
orchard,  and  the  nest  when  thus  located  is  usually  from  four  to  twenty  feet  from  the 
ground,  but  elsewhere  is  commonly  at  an  altitude  of  between  twenty-five  and  forty 
feet.  Aside  from  orchard  trees,  nests  have  been  detected  in  maples  (Acer  rubrum), 
n  wild  cherry  trees  (Prunus  serotina)  and  in  willows. 

The  measurements  of  three  nests  are  as  follows : 


NO. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

2.00 

150 

1.88  x  1.88 

1.88  x  1  88 

3.38  x  2  88 

3  50  x  3  00 

2.75  x  2.00 

1.00  x  0.38 

2-  

2.50 

150 

2.00  x  1.75 

2  25  x  2.00 

2.88  x  2.38 

3.63  x  2.75 

1.75  x  1  38 

0.56  x  0.06 

3..  

2.25 

1.65 

2.25x1.75 

2.20  x  2.05 

3.10  x  2.50 

3.15  x  2.50 

1.50  x  1.25 

0.50x030 

Average.. 

2.25 

1.55 

2.04  x  1.79 

2.11  x  1.9.? 

3  12  x  2.59 

3.43  x  2  75 

2.CO  x  1.54 

0.69  x  0.25 

THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  323 


A  nest  discovered  on  June  26,  1892,  in  an  almost  inaccessible  position  in  an  apple 
tree,  was  ascertained  to  contain  nearly  fledged  young.  One  of  these  had  by  accident 
become  entangled  in  some  of  the  external  fibres  of  the  nest,  and  having  fallen,  hung 
suspended  by  the  feet.  This  was  indeed  a  very  unfortunate  position  for  the  fledging, 
and  we  undoubtedly  earned  its  gratitude  by  affording  it  the  relief  which  it  had  been 
of  course  unable  to  obtain  from  its  anxious  parents. 

The  Warbling  Vireo  sings  regularly  until  about  the  first  of  August,  and  subse- 
quently, though  less  frequently,  until  into  September,  the  latest  date  of  song  heard 
being  in  1892,  on  September  23  This  species  has  a  curious  habit  of  most  unconcern- 
edly singing  although  its  home  be  quite  closely  approached,  and  it  sometimes  con- 
tinues its  song  even  while  its  nest  is  in  process  of  being  removed. 


SUBGEXUS     LANIVIREO     BAIRD. 

140.    Vireo  flavifrons   VIEILL. 
Yellow-throated  Yireo. 

Tolerably  common  as  a  summer  resident,  but  most  numerous  in  spring,  arriving 
ordinarily  between  the  first  and  the  seventh  of  May.  It  has  not  been  observed  later 
than  July  28  (1892),  but  it  probably  remains  until  at  least  the  middle  of  August.  It 
is  confined  principally  to  the  tall  timber,  being  found  on  both  the  uplands  and  the 
bottoms. 

It  may  be  heard  in  song  from  the  time  of  its  appearance  in  spring  until  the  latter 
part  of  July.  Its  silence  after  the  first  of  August  perhaps  accounts  for  its  having 
escaped  any  subsequent  notice,  since  it  is  much  oftener  heard  than  seen. 


FAMILY  flNIOTILTID/E.     WOOD  WARBLERS. 
GENUS  MNIOTILTA  VIEILLOT. 

141.  Mniotilta  varia  (LINN.). 
Black  and  White  Warbler. 

A  common  spring  transient  and  very  rare  summer  resident.     It  makes  its  ap- 
pearance between  the  first  and  the  fifteenth  of  May,  and  during  the  spring  migration 
-frequents  the  woods  on  both  the  uplands  and  the  bottoms,  being  often  associated  with 
other  Warblers.     In   summer  it  has  been  noted  principally  in  the  wooded  ravines 
.adjoining  the  lowlands. 

GENUS  HELMINTHOPHILA  RIDGWAY. 

142.  Helminthophila  pinus   (LINN.). 
Blue-winged  Warbler. 

A  rare  summer  resident;  somewhat  more  numerous  in  spring,  arriving  between 
the  first  and  the  tenth  of  May.     It  is  seldom  seen  on  the  uplands,  but  affects  chiefly 
•the  thickets  of  the  bottoms.     Owing  no  doubt  to  the  character  of  the  localities  fre- 
*  quented,  it  is  generally  heard  rather  than  seen. 


324  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

143.  Helminthophila  peregrina  (WILS .)• 
Tennessee  Warbler. 

A  spring  and  fall  transient ;  tolerably  common,  though  somewhat  irregular.  It 
has  been  observed  in  spring  between  May  15  and  May  24;  in  fall  from  September  21 
to  October  7.  It  was  most  numerous  during  the  spring  of  1892.  It  frequents  thick- 
ets and  woodlands  generally,  being  found  often  in  company  with  other  Warblers.. 
Its  song  is  heard  quite  regularly  during  the  spring  migration. 

GENUS  DENDROICA  GRAY. 

SUBGENUS  PERISSOGLOSSA    BAIRD. 

144.  Dendroica  tigrina  (GMEL.). 
Cape  May  Warbler. 

A  transient  visitor ;  apparently  rare  in  spring,  but  tolerably  common  in  the  fall,  - 
though  of  rather  local  occurrence.     In  the  spring  it  has  been  only  once  seen,— on 
May  6,  1892;  but  in  the  autumn  it  has  been  observed  from  September  25  to  October 
7.     It  appears  to  somewhat  prefer  the  lowlands,  and  has  been  chiefly  noted  in  the 
valley  of    the   Killbuck,  usually  near  the  stream,  in  thickets  and  the  less  heavily  ' 
wooded  portions  of  the  forests. 

SUBGENUS  DENDROICA    GRAY. 

145.  Dendroica  aestiva  (GMEL.). 
Yellow  Warbler. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.     Its  spring  arrival  has  been    usually    between- 
April   21    and    April   25,  and  it  generally  remains  until  September,  not,  however, 
having  been  noted  later  than    the    seventh    of    this  month.     It  is  apparently  more 
numerous  on  the  bottoms  than  on  the  uplands. 

Thickets  along  streams  seem  to  furnish  the  most  acceptable  nesting  sites,  and  in 
this  locality  a  decided  preference  is  shown  for  the  elders  (Sambucus  Canadensis}^ 
much  the  greater  number  of  nests  found  being  situated  in  these  bushes. 

The  three  eggs  of  a  set  (containing  also  one  egg  of  the  Cowbird)  taken  May  29, 
1891,  are  somewhat  peculiar  in  pattern  of  coloration,  and  exhibit  considerable  differ- 
ence in  size.  The  ground  color  is  greenish  white ;  in  one  of  the  eggs  almost  immac- 
ulate, with  near  the  larger  end  a  very  few  minute  dots  of  clove  brown  and  dull  lilac 
and  one  long  streak  of  clove  brown.  A  second  egg  is  similar  to  the  one  described, 
but  is  slightly  more  heavily  marked,  though  much  less  so  than  is  usual  in  eggs  of  the  • 
species.  The  other  egg  is  thickly  marked, — but  still  somewhat  less  so  than  average 
specimens — with  small  spots  of  fawn  color,  drab  and  dull  lilac,  these  being  in  a  broad 
zone  about  the  central  portion  of  the  egg.  These  eggs  measure  respectively :  .70  x 
.52,  .71  x  .52,  .62  x  .44. 

The  height  of  the  breeding  season  is  apparently  between  the  middle  of  May  and  . 
the  first  of  June,  as  a  large  proportion  of  the  nests  found  contained,  or  evidently  had 
contained,  unincubated  eggs  during  this  period.    Incompleted  nests  have  been  ndtedi 
by  May  n  (1890),  and  eggs  have  been  found  as  late  as  June  22  (1891). 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


325 


Eight  nests  exhibit  the  following  measurements : 


No. 

Height. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outsidetop 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 

diameter. 

Width 
of  rim. 

1  

350 

163 

2.00  x  1.70 

2.01)  x  1.75 

2.75  x  2.44 

2.75  x  2  50 

1.50  x  1.50 

0.50  x  0.25 

2  

3.50 

1.63 

1.88  x  1.63 

1.88  x  1  88 

3.50  x  2.73 

3.00  x  3.00 

2.50  x  2.50 

1.12  x  0.63 

3  

3.63 

1.38 

1  63  x  1.50 

2  CO  x  1.73 

2.75  x  2  50 

2.88  x  2  63 

1.63  x  1.25 

0  63  x  0  25 

4  

300 

1.50 

1.88  x  1.75 

1.95  x  1  88 

2.88  x  2.50 

2.75  x  2.63 

2.25  x  1.00 

0.50  x  0.25 

5  

2.50 

1.50 

2  00  x  1  88 

2.GO  x  1  75 

3.25  x  2.25 

3.38  x  3  00 

2.25  x  1.75 

0.56  x  0.19 

6  

2.00 

1.20 

1.85  x  1.65 

2  10  x  1.95 

2.90  x  2.50 

3.50  x  3.00 

3.00  x  2.60 

0  85  x  0.35 

7 

325 

125 

2.nO  x  1  70 

2  10  x  2  05 

2  65  x  2  15 

3  25  x  2  50 

2  75  x  1  00 

0  50  x  0  20 

8  

2.15 

1.50 

1.85  x  1.60 

v  2.15  x  2.00 

2.85  x  2.65 

2.75  x  2  75 

2.50  x  2.00 

0.75  x  0  35 

Average 

294 

145 

1.89  x  1.68 

2  02  x  1.88 

2.94  x  2.47 

3C3  x  2.75 

2.30  x  1.70 

0.68  x  0.31 

This  species  sings  very  persistently  for  the  first  few  weeks  after  its  advent  in 
spring,  and  quite  regularly  up  to  about  the  beginning  of  July,  continuing  more  or 
less  intermittently  until  the  last  of  this  month.  The  latest  song  was  recorded  in  1891, 
on  July  28. 

146     Dendroica  caerulescens  (GMEL.).  . 
Black-throated  Blue  Warbler. 

A  common  transient  visitor;  much  more  numerous  in  spring  than  in  fall.  It  is 
however,  somewhat  irregular  in  numbers,  being  decidedly  less  frequent  in  some 
seasons  than  in  others.  It  appears  usually  during  the  first  few  days  of  May,  and  re- 
mains for  two  or  three  weeks.  It  lingered  late  in  1892,  being  last  observed  on  June 
i.  The  earliest  record  of  its  arrival  is  April  23  (1893). 

It  has  been  noted  in  the  fall  on  but  two  occasions, — October  5,  1890,  and  Septem- 
ber 18,  1892.  On  the  latter  date  one  was  seen  singing.  The  Black-throated  Blue  oc- 
curs with  other  of  the  Warblers  in  the  thickets  and  woods  of  both  the  uplands  and 
the  bottoms. 

147.  Dendroica  coronata  (LINN.). 
Myrtle  Warbler. 

An  abundant  transient  visitor;  somewhat  more  numerous  in  fall  than  in  spring. 
It  has  been  observed  as  early  as  April  16  (1893),  but  does  not  usually  appear  until 
several  days  later.  It  remains  until  about  May  22.  In  autumn  it  has  been  noted  from 
September  25  to  November  6.  The  lowlands  along  the  creeks  seem  to  be  favorite 
resorts  for  this  species,  and  during  the  fall  it  may  there  be  found  often  in  small  flocks. 
With  the  possible  exception  of  Dendroica  striata  the  Myrtle  Warbler  is  by  far  the 
most  numerous  of  the  transient  species  of  the  family. 

148.  Dendroica  maculosa  (GMEL.). 
Masrnolia  Warbler. 

A  transient  visitor ;  one  of  the  less  frequent  species.  It  is  sometimes  tolerably 
common,  but  has  been  observed  only  between  May  n  and  May  22.  It  is  apparently 


326  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

of  most  regular  occurrence  in  the  thickets  bordering  woodlands  and  in  the  under- 
growth of  the  forests. 

149.    Dendroica   cserulea   (WILS.). 
Cerulean  Warbler. 

Rare  ;  probably  occurring  solely  as  a  transient  visitor.  It  was  noted  only  in  1891, 
when  on  May  8  an  adult  male  was  shot  and  two  other  individuals  were  seen. 
Another  was  observed  on  May  10.  and  one  also  on  May  15.  These  were  all  ap- 
parently in  full  song,  and  had  not  this  been  the  case,  would  have  passed  unnoticed 
amid  the  multitudes  of  migrant  Warblers  which  at  this  season  throng  the  tops  of 
the  forest  trees  in  the  vallev  of  Ihe  Killbuck. 


150.  Dendroica  pensylvanica  (LINN.). 
Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  from  May  14  to  May  20.  It  is  also  a  very  rare 
summer  resident,  but  has  not  been  observed  in  the  fall.  The  only  summer  records 
are  for  1893,  in  which  year  one  of  these  birds  was,  on  July  9,  seen  singing  in  the 
woodland  of  the  Killbuck  Valley,  at  a  locality  about  four  miles  northwest  of  Woos- 
ter.  On  July  10  and  16  of  the  same  year,  a  Chestnut-sided  Warbler,  quite  probably 
the  former  individual,  was  again  heard  in  the  same  vicinity. 

The  species  frequents  almost  exclusively  the  woodlands,  moving  among  the 
branches  of  the  highest  trees,  and  also,  though  apparently  less  preferably,  in  the  low 
undergrowth. 

151.  Dendroica  castanea    (WILS.). 
Bay-breasted  Warbler. 

A  very  rare  transient  visitor.  The  only  dates  for  this  species  are  May  22  and  24, 
1892.  The  birds  seen  were  in  rather  open  woodland,  in  the  lower  portions  of  the 
trees,  and  were  without  difficulty  closely  approached. 

Although  Wheaton  mentions1  this  species  as  occurring  "  in  great  numbers"  in 
fall,  the  writer  has  strangely  enough  failed  to  detect  it  during  that  season.  Many 
Black-poll  Warblers  have  been  shot  in  the  hope  of  securing  specimens  of  D.  castanea, 
as  the  latter  might  of  course,  if  not  captured,  readily  pass  for  D.striata. 


152     Dendroica  striata  (FORST.). 
Black-poll  Warbler. 

An  abundant  fall  transient,  but  seen  during  the  spring  season  only  in  1892,  when 
it  was  common  from  May  21  to  May  30.  In  the  autumn  it  has  been  observed  from 
September  18  to  October  16.  It  may  be  found  almost  wherever  there  are  trees  or 
bushes,  and  in  the  streets  of  the  towns  is,  of  all  the  transient  Warblers,  the  one  most 
frequently  occurring,  and  the  species  most  numerously  represented.  It  is  seen  occa- 
sionally in  small  straggling  companies,  consisting,  however,  of  rarely  more  than  six 
or  seven  individuals. 


»Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  1  V ,  1882,  p   255. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  327 


153.  Dendroica  blackburniae  (GMEL.). 
Blackburn  iau  Warbler. 

Although  Wheaton  considers1  this  bird  an  abundant  transient  in  the  vicinity  of 
•Columbus,  it  is  seemingly  very  rare  in  Wayne  County.  Only  three  individuals  have 
been  noted  ;  two  on  May  20,  1890,  and  one  on  May  20,  1892.  It  is  possiblv  more  com- 
mon than  is  thus  indicated. 

154.  Dendroica  virens  (GMEL.). 
Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 

A  common  spring  transient  from  May  i  to  May  22.  It  is  apparently  rare  in  the 
fall,  as  there  is  available  but  one  record  for  that  season  :  October  4,  1891.  It  may  be 
found  in  the  woods  ot  both  the  uplands  and  the  bottoms,  and  there  its  very  distinctive 
rsong  may  be  heard  almost  any  day  during  its  spring  migration. 

GENUS  SEIURUS  SWAINSON. 


OVEN-BIRD,     NATURAL    SIZE. 

155.  Seiurus   aurocapillus    (LINN.). 
Oven-bird;  Golden- crowned  Thrush. 

A  rare  summer  resident.  It  is  for  a  while  in  May  common  in  certain  localities, 
especially  in  portions  of  the  Killbuck  Valley,  where  at  this  season  it  occurs  associated 
with  the  next  species.  It  arrives  early  in  May,  and  remains  until  the  middle  of  Oc- 
tober (May  i  to  October  16).  It  has  seldom  been  noted  on  the  bottom-lands  except 
during  the  migrations,  since  it  retires  for  the  summer  to  the  most  secluded  portions 
of  the  upland  forests. 

156.  Seiurus  motacilla  (VIEILL.). 
Louisiana  Water  Thrush. 

Rare  summer  resident.  A  certain  portion  of  the  valley  of  the  Killbuck,  lying 
'between  four  and  five  miles  northwest  of  Wooster,  is  the  only  locality  where  this 
species  has  in  summer  been  observed,  and  although  it  there  probably  breeds,  its 
nest  has  not  been  discovered.  In  this  place  the  species  is  usually  common  for  a  few 
daysln  spring,  frequenting  the  woods  and  thickets  along  the  creek,  together  with  the 
many  mossy  ravines  in  the  adjacent  woodland.  It  has  been  in  spring  occasionally 

Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  p.  252. 


328  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


noted  in  swamps  in    other  portions  of    the  Killbuck    Valley,    but   no    other   spot 
seems  to  be  quite  so  congenial  as  the  one  above  mentioned. 

This  Warbler  arrives  usually  late  in  April,  the  twenty-first  of  the  month  (1891) 
being  the  earliest  date  recorded.  It  has  not  been  observed  later  than  July  28  (1892). 
It  is  generally  in  full  song  at  the  time  of  its  spring  appearance,  and  for  a  season  its 
notes  form  one  of  the  characteristic  bird  melodies  of  its  favorite  haunts. 


GENUS  GEOTHLYPIS    CABANIS. 


SUBGENUS  OPOROR"NIS  BAIRD. 

157.  Geothlypis  agilis  (WILS.). 
Connecticut  Warbler. 

A  very  rare  transient  visitor.  The  only  record  is  a  single  specimen  taken^Octo- 
ber  2,  1892. 

SUBGENUS  GEOTHLYPIS  CABANIS. 

158.  Geothlypis  Philadelphia  (WILS.). 
Mourning  Warbler. 

Apparently  a  very  rare  transient  visitor.  It  has  been  positively  identified  but 
once, — on  May  14,  1893,  when  a  single  adult  male  was  found  in  the  thick  undergrowth 
of  the  woodland  along  Killbuck  Creek,  about  four  miles  northwest  of  Wooster. 

159.  Geothlypis  trichas  (LINN.). 
Maryland  Yellow-throat. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  The  dates  of  its  appearance  range  from  April 
23  to  May  7,  and  it  is  present  generally  until  the  first  of  October,  although  less  numer- 
ous during  September.  Dr.  Wheaton1  writing  probably  with  regard  to  the  vicinity 
of  Columbus,  says  that  this  species  "remains  until  the  first  of  September." 

It  is  more  common  on  the  bottoms  than  on  the  uplands,  and  though  of  course  a 
bird  of  thickets  and  fencerows,  it  sometimes  wanders  away  from  both.  On  July  2,- 
1891,  a  Maryland  Yellow-throat  was  heard  singing  in  the  midst  of  a  large  wheat-field,, 
where  there  seemed  nothing  to  attract  it  from  the  presumably  more  suitable  locali- 
ties in  the  neighborhood. 

The  song  of  this  species  continues  throughout  the  whole  of  the  bird's  summer 
sojourn,  but  is  more  irregular  during  September  and  the  latter  part  of  August.  The 
date  of  latest  song  heard  (October  2,  1892,)  is  coincident  with  the  latest  record  for 
the  species.  In  spring  it  is  one  of  the  early  morning  singers,  being  often  among  the 
first  species  heard.  On  May  27,  1890,  it  was  singing  at  3  135  A.  M. 


Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  p.  275. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  329- 

GENUS  ICTERIA  VIEILLOT. 


160.    Icteria  virens  (LINN.). 
Yellow-Breasted  that. 

A  rare  summer  resident.  It  has  not  been  noted  earlier  than  May  17,  nor  later 
than  August  3,  but  probably  neither  of  these  dates  represents  the  extreme  of  its 
presence  here. 

This  species  on  the  uplands  frequents  the  woods  and  the  dense  thickets,  but  on- 
the  bottoms  is  confined  apparently  to  the  latter.  A  nest  taken  by  Mr.  J.  Hine,  near 
Wooster,  June  17,  1893,  contained  five  eggs,  two  of  them,  however,  being  those  of  the 
Cowbird.  The  nest  was  situated  in  a  hickory  sapling  in  underbrush  near  the  edge  of 
woodland. 

Although  much  has  been  written  concerning  the  vocal  powers  of  the  Yellow- 
breasted  Chat,  little  attention  seems  to  have  been  called  to  its  ability  for  mimicry; 
yet  nevertheless,  besides  being  a  wonderful  ventriloquist,  it  manifests  at  times  a  re- 
markable imitative  faculty.  The  different  notes  of  the  Robin,  Catbird,  Brown 
Thrasher,  together  with  those  of  many  other  species,  including  even  the  croak  of" 
the  Green  Heron,  are  all  reproduced  so  faithfully  that  one  begins  to  wonder  whether 
after  all  the  thicket  contains  not  a  number  of  birds  instead  of  a  single  Yellow- 
breasted  Chat.  It  seems,  however,  that  such  an  exhibition  is  more  rarely  given  than 
its  ordinary  vocal  performance.  This  species  has  been  found  in  full  song  on  July  4r 
but  later  in  the  season  has  not  been  heard  singing. 


GENUS  SYLVANIA   NUTTALL. 


WILSON'S    WARBLER,    NATURAL    SIZE. 


161.    Sylvania  pusilla   (WILS.). 
Wilson's  Warbler. 

A  rare  transient  visitor.  Observed  in  spring  from  May  22  to  June  i,  but  in> 
autumn  only  on  September  18,  1892.  It  has  been  noted  principally  in  thickets  along 
streams,  and  in  the  undergrowth  of  woodland.  It  is  in  full  song  during  its  spring^ 
passage,  and  its  notes  constitute  a  pleasing  warble,  in  part  somewhat  suggestive  of 
the  song  of  the  House  Wren.  « 


330  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

GENUS  SETOPHAGA  SWAINSON. 

162.  Setophaga  ruticilla  (LINN.). 
American  Redstart. 

A  very  rare  summer  resident,  though  common  as  a  spring  transient.  It  appears 
.usually  during  the  first  week  of  May,  the  earliest  date  being  April  30  (1891).  It  fre- 
quents the  woods  of  both  the  uplands  and  the  bottoms ;  being  often  associated  with 
other  species  of  Warblers.  It  has  been  observed  in  summer  on  but  one  occasion, — 
July  27,  1893. — and  has  been  entirely  overlooked  in  the  fall.  It  is  generally  in  song 
upon  its  arrival  in  spring;  and  was  heard  singing  on  July  27. 

FAMILY  TROGLODYTID^E.     WRENS,  THRASHERS,   ETC. 

SUBFAMILY  MIMIN/E.     THRASHERS. 

GENUS  GALEOSCOPTES    CABANIS. 

163.  Galeoscoptes  carolinensis  (LINN.). 
Catbird. 

An  abundant  summer  resident  from  April  26  to  October  2. 

The  numerous  and  extensive  thickets  on  the  bottom-lands  seem  to  afford  particu- 
larly favorable  nesting  sites,  since  it  is  there  that  during  the  breeding  season  this 
species  occurs  most  abundantly.  The  nests  are  seldom  higher  from  the  ground  than 
•six  feet,  and  by  far  the  greater  number  of  those  found  have  been  but  three  and  one- 
half  feet  or  less;  but  almost  always  carefully  concealed.  When  the  situation  is,  as 
occasionally  chosen,  an  orchard,  the  nest  is  generally  at  least  twelve  or  fourteen  feet 
from  the  ground  and  in  the  upright  fork  of  a  limb.  The  lining  of  the  nest  was 
ascertained  to  be  in  nearly  every  case  entirely  of  dark-colored  roots,  the  only  excep- 
lions  containing  in  addition  a  small  quantity  of  grass  and  weedstalks.  Three  or  four 
•eggs  generally  constitute  a  complement ;  five  having  been  but  twice  recorded.  Occu- 
pied nests  have  been  noted  from  May  14  to  June  26. 

The  Catbird  sings  very  continuously  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  until  August, 
and  subsequently  more  or  less  intermittently  until  September.  The  latest  date  of 
song  heard  is  September  18  (1892). 

GENUS  HARPORHYNCHUS    CABANIS. 

SUBGEXUS  METHRIOPTERUS  REICHENBACH. 

164.  Harporhynchus  rufus    (LINN.). 
Brown  Thrasher. 

A  common  summer  resident.  It  appears  sometimes  by  April  i,  though  not  in- 
frequently several  days  later.  Not  observed  in  fall  after  September  17  (1893). 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


331 


The  breeding  season  continues  from  the  first  of  May  until  about  the  first  of  July, 
but  nests  with  eggs  are  rarely  to  be  found  subsequent  to  the  middle  of  June.  The 
usual  nesting  site  is  a  brush-heap  or  a  sheltered  thicket ;  a  location  offering  good 
opportunity  for  concealment  being  apparently  preferred. 

The  two  nests  measured  present  the  following  dimensions : 


No. 

Beight. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

.Width  o 
rim. 

1  

3.50 

175 

4.CO  x  3.00 

3.50  x  2.75 

6.50  x  6.00 

7.00  x  7.CO 

5.00  x  4.00 

2.50  x  0.75 

2  

4.00 

2/.0 

4.25  x  4.00 

3  75  x  2.75 

7.50  x  6.50 

6.00  x  5.50 

5.00  x  4.50 

1.50  x  0.50 

This  species  sings  quite  regularly  until  into  July,  but  has  not  been  heard  in  song: 
ater  than  the  thirtieth  of  this  month. 


SUBFAMILY  TROQLODYTIN/E.     WRENS. 
GENUS  THRYOTHORUS    VIEILLOT. 

SUBGENUS  THRYOTHORUS. 


CAROLINA    WREN,    REDUCED. 


165.    Thryothorus  ludovicianus  (LATH.). 
Carolina  Wren. 

A  common  permanent  resident;  sdmewhat  less  numero-is  in  winter.     While  per- 
fectly at  home  in  the  towns,  it  seems  to  be  partial  to  the  bottom-lands  and  to  the 


332  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


wooded  ravines, — the  thickets  and  swamps  along  the  streams  being  particularly  suit- 
able for  its  habitation. 

A  nest  visited  on  May  6,  1890,  contained  five  fully  fledged  young.  This  nest  was 
situated  in  a  small  barn  in  the  town  of  Wooster,  being  placed  on  the  bare  floor  of  a 
hay  loft  close  against  the  side  of  the  building ;  thus  being  completely  hidden  from 
the  outside,  though  plainly  visible  from  within.  The  birds  entered  the  nest  through 
a  knot-hole  in  the  weather-boarding,  but  were  very  shy  when  conscious  of  being 
observed.  For  some  unknown  reason,  the  nest,  while  containing  young,  was  removed 
ipom  the  loft  and  placed  upon  the  ground  outside,  where,  however,  the  parent 
birds  continued  their  attentions  until  the  young  were  able  to  fly. 

The  Carolina  Wren  has  been  observed  in  song  during  every  month  of  the  year 
Avith  the  exception  of  December,  and  it  sings  ^yith  apparently  as  much  vivacity  in 
zero  weather  as  during  the  most  pleasant  days  of  spring. 

GENUS  TROGLODYTES  VIEILLOT. 

SUBGEXUS     TROGLODYTES. 

166.    Troglodytes  aedon  VIEILL. 
House  Wren. 

A  common  summer  resident.  It  appears  late  in  April  or  early  in  May,  and  re- 
mains sometimes  until  October  16,  though  is  unusual  after  October  i.  During  the 
breeding  season  the  apple  orchards,  even  though  not  adjacent  to  human  habitations, 
seem  to  be  its  favorite  resorts. 

The  House  Wren  sings  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  until  about  the  first  of  August, 
but  less  continuously  during  the  greater  part  of  July.  The  date  of  latest  song 
heard  is  July  30  (1893). 

SUBGEXUS  ANORTHURA   REXXIE. 


WINTER    WREN,    SLIGHTLY    REDUCED. 

167.    Troglodytes  hiemalis  VIEILL. 
Winter  Wren. 

A  rare  winter  resident;  tolerably  common  during  the  spring  and  fall  migrations. 
It  has  been  observed  from  September  27  to  May  15,  principally  along  fencerows,  in 
thickets  and  in  woodland  undergrowth. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  333 

GENUS  CISTOTHORUS  CABANIS. 

SUBGENUS     TELMATODYTES     CABAXIS. 

9 

168.  Cistothorus  palustris  (WILS.). 
Long-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

A  common  summer  resident  from  May  5  to  September  25.  It  is  to  be  found  in 
nearly  all  the  more  extensive  swamps,  especially  where  the  cat-tail  flag  ( Typha  lati'- 
folia}  abounds.  While  it  of  course  breeds  regularly  in  this  locality,  no  nests  have 
been  discovered,  owing  to  the  great  difficulty  of  traversing  at  the  proper  season  the 
swamps  where  it  occurs. 

It  is  in  song  throughout  its  sojourn  here,  but  sings  with  much  less  frequency 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  summer. 

FAMILY  CERTHIID/E.     CREEPERS. 
GENUS  CERTHIA    LINN.WS. 

169.  Certhia  familiaris  americana  (BONAP.). 
Brown  Creeper. 

A  tolerably  common  spring  and  fall  transient  and  rare  winter  resident.  During 
the  winter  it  remains  principally  in  the  woods  of  the  bottom-lands,  but  during  the 
migrations  it  occurs  also  on  the  high  ground.  Its  earliest  fall  appearance  is  October 
2,  and  it  has  never  been  observed  later  in  spring  than  May  i  ;  seldom,  in  fact,  after 
the  middle  of  April. 

No  positive  breeding  record  has  been  established,  but  an  unoccupied  nest,  which 
in  position  and  structure  much  resembled  that  of  this  species,  was  discovered  on 
May  7,  1891.  This  nest  was  situated  about  twenty  feet  from  the  ground  in  a  crevice 
behind  the  bark  of  a  dead  tree,  in  damp  bottom-land  woods  along  the  Killbuck. 

FAMILY  PARID^.     NUTHATCHES  AND  TITS. 

SUBFAMILY     SITTING.     NUTHATCHES.. 

GENUS  SITTA  LINN^US. 

170.  Sitta  carolinensis  LATH. 
White-breasted  Nuthatch. 

A  permanent  resident ;  common  in  summer,  abundant  in  fall  and  winter.  It  is 
most  numerous  in  woodland,  though  in  winter  it  commonly  is  elsewhere  encountered. 
During  the  summer  it  apparently  is  partial  to  the  bottom-lands  and  to  timbered  ra- 
vines, but  in  the  fall  and  winter  it  is  equally  if  not  more  abundant  in  the  upland 
woods,  being  then  frequently  associated  with  Tufted  Titmice,  Chickadees  and  Golden- 
crowned  Kinglets. 


334  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

All  the  nests  which  have  fallen  under  the  writer's  observation  have  been  situated 
in  either  natural  cavities  or  the  abandoned  excavations  of  Woodpeckers, — in  living 
trees,  or  trees  only  partially  dead.  The  breeding  season  continues  usually  from  about 
the  middle  of  April  until  the  middle  of  June,  nests  with  eggs  being  most  common^uring 
the  first  three  weeks  in  May.  The  disturbance  of  a  nest  containing  even  eggs  some- 
times occasions  on  the  part  of  the  parent  birds  an  exhibition  of  great  concern,  and 
they  repeatedly  approach  almost  within  reach,  making  at  intervals  swift  dashes  toward 
the  intruder. 

The  notes  of  the  White-breasted  Nuthatch  are  most  frequently  heard  during  the 
colder  months  of  the  year. 

171.  Sitta  canadensis  LINN. 
Red-breasted  Nuthatch. 

A  very  rare  transient  visitor.  The  only  record  for  this  species  is  September  26- 
1890. 

SUBFAMILY    PARIN/E.     TITMICE. 

GENUS  PARUS  LINN^US. 

SUBGENUS    LOPHOPHANES    KAUP. 

172.  Parus  tricolor  LINN. 
Tufted  Titmouse. 

A  permanent  resident ;  abundant  except  in  summer.  It  is  equally  numerous  or* 
the  uplands  and  the  lowlands. 

On  October  2,  1892,  a  Tufted  Titmouse  was  observed  industriously  hammer- 
ing away  at  something  in  the  crotch  of  a  low  tree.  This  object  eventually  proved 
to  be  the  half-punctured  coccoon  of  a  large  moth  ( Telea  polyphemus). 

The  Tufted  Titmouse  sings  more  or  less  continuously  all  the  year,  being  least 
frequently  heard  during  December  and  January.  The  duration  of  its  maximum 
song  seems  to  be  from  about  the  first  of  March  until  some  time  in  June,  after 
which  period  it  sings  much  less  regularly. 

SUBGENUS  PARUS    LINNAEUS. 

173.  Parus  atricapillus  LINN. 
Chickadee. 

Resident;  abundant  in  winter,  but  considerably  less  numerous  in  summer, 
During  the  latter  season  it  is  found  most  frequently  in  the  woods  of  the  bottom- 
lands, though  is  by  no  means  entirely  confined  to  them ;  while  in  winter  it  occurs 
almost  everywhere,  at  only  this  season  regularly  visiting  the  yards  along  the  streets 
of  the  towns. 

The  nesting  season  begins  about  the  middle  of  April,  full  complements  of  eggs 
being  most  common  from  the  first  to  the  fifteenth  of  May.  A  second  brood  is  some-, 
times  reared  in  June.  Rather  open  bottom  woodlands,  where  decaying  stumps 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  335 

abound,  seem  to  be  the  favorite  localities  for  breeding  purposes.  The  nests  situated 
in  these  low  stumps  are  rarely  over  two  feet  from  the  ground,  and  considerable  dan- 
ger threatens  from  the  spring  flooding  of  the  bottom-lands  and  the  consequent  unin- 
habitable condition  of  the  nests  when  the  water  rises  high  enough  to  enter.  A  nest 
found  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Henderson,  June  24,  1892,  was  situated  in  a  cavity  in  one  of  the 
supports  of  an  old  rail  fence. 

FAMILY  SYLVIID/E.     WARBLERS,  KINGLETS,  GNATCATCHERS. 

SUBFAMILY  REQULIN/H.     KINGLETS. 

GENUS  REGULUS  CUVIER. 


GOLDEN-CROWNED    KINGLET,    SOMEWHAT    REDUCED. 

174.  Regulus  satrapa  LIGHT. 
Golden -crowned  Kinglet. 

Abundant  in  fall  and  spring ;  tolerably  common  as  a  winter  resident.  During 
the  last  mentioned  season  it  remains  chiefly  in  the  shelter  of  ornamental  evergreens, 
and  in  the  most  sheltered  portions  of  the  woods,  but  throughout  the  migrations  it  is 
found  nearly  everywhere. 

It  appears  in  fall  with  considerable  regularity  about  the  first  of  October,  the  ex- 
treme dates  being  September  27  and  October  3.  It  departs  about  the  end  of  the  third 
week  in  April,  but  has  once  been  observed  to  linger  until  May  i  (1892).  It  moves 
often  in  small  scattered  companies  of  usually  not  more  than  fifteen  individuals ;  some- 
times, though  not  ordinarily,  associating  with  other  birds. 

175.  Regulus  calendula  (LINN.). 
Ruby -crowned  Kinglet. 

A  transient  visitor ;  abundant  in  the  spring,  but  generally  not  so  numerous  in 
autumn.  It  has  been  noted  from  April  5  to  May  15,  and  from  September  23  to  Octo- 

7     B.  W.  C. 


OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 


her  20.  It  is  found  principally  in  woodlands  and  thickets,  both  on  the  uplands  and 
the  bottoms,  not  being  so  frequently  as  the  preceding  species  observed  along  the 
streets  of  the  towns. 

This  species  is,  of  course,  regularly  in  song  during  the  season  of  its  occurrence  in 
spring,  and  has  been  heard  singing  in  October  fully  as  well  as  during  the  vernal 
migration. 

SUBFAMILY  POLIOPTILIN/E.     GNATCATCHERS. 

GENUS  POLIOPTILA  SCLATER. 

176.    Polioptila  cserulea  (LINN.). 
Blue- gray  Gnatcatcher. 

A  common  summer  resident.  It  arrives  ordinarily  during  the  latter  part  of 
April,  the  nineteenth  of  this  month  being  the  earliest  date  recorded.  It  has  not  been 
observed  later  than  August  3,  yet  it  probably  does  not  leave  until  September. 

Throughout  the  breeding  season  it  affects  chiefly  the  upland  woods  and  the  tim- 
bered ravines  adjacent.  Nest-building  begins  about  the  middle  of  May,  or  even  some- 
what earlier,  and  by  the  middle  of  June  nearly  all  the  nests  contain  young.  Ap- 
parently no  second  brood  is  regularly  reared,  but  should  the  first  nest  be  destroyed, 
another  is  commonly  constructed. 

The  measurements  of  two  nests  are  as  appended : 


No. 
1  

Height. 

Depth 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

/ 

Width  of 
rim. 

2.65 

170 

135x1.20 

1.80x1.60 

2.25x2.10 

2.75x2.35 

2  85  x  2.00 

0.75  x  0.35 

2  

2.50 

1.60 

1.35  x  1.25 

1.65  x  1.50 

2.05x1.90 

2.60  x  2.25 

2.25  x  1.85 

0.50x0.25 

The  well-known  scolding  note  of  this  species  is  most  conspicuous  from  April 
to  about  the  middle  of  July,  being  subsequently  comparatively  seldom  heard.  The 
real  song  of  the  Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher  has,  in  this  locality,  been  detected  upon  only 
a  single  occasion, — August  3,  1890.  It  is  a  simple  but  pleasing  ditty,  in  quality  rather 
suggestive  of  the  songs  of  some  Warblers.  It  consists  of  one  or  two  introductory 
notes,  followed  by  a  short  warble ;  and  the  whole  may  be  represented,  very  imper- 
fectly of  course,  by  the  syllables  zee-u,  zee-u,  ksee-ksee-ksee-ksu. 

FAMILY  TURDID^E.     THRUSHES,   SOLITAIRES,   BLUEBIRDS,  ETC. 
SUBFAMILY     TURDIN/C.     THRUSHES. 

GENUS  TURDUS  LINN^US. 

SUBGENUS  HYLOCICHLA    BAIRD. 


177.    Turdus  mustelinus  GMEL. 
Wood  Thrush. 

An  abundant  summer  resident  from  April  21  to  September  27.     It  may,  in  general, 
be  regarded  as  a  somewhat  more  numerous  inhabitant  of  the  woods  on  the  bottoms 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY. 


337 


than  of  those  on  the  uplands,  although  it  is  found  in  almost  all  suitable  localities.     It 
is  particularly  numerous  in  the  woods  along  portions  of  Killbuck  Creek. 

The  breeding  season  continues  from  about  the  end  of  the  first  week  in  May  until 
the  middle  of  July,  but  is  at  its  height  during  the  last  two  weeks  of  May  and  the  first 
week  in  June.  The  favorite  nesting  places  are  wooded  ravines  and  the  timbered 
banks  bordering  the  bottom-lands.  Nearly  all  the  nests  found  have  been  in  saplings 
or  bushes,  usually  from  three  to  five,  never  higher  than  ten,  feet  from  the  ground. 

The  measurements  of  two  nests  are  as  follows : 


No. 

Beight. 

Depth. 

Inside  top 
diameter. 

Inside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside  top 
diameter. 

Outside 
middle 
diameter. 

Outside 
bottom 
diameter. 

Width  of 
rim. 

1  

3.50 

163 

3.13x300 

2.75x2.75 

4.50  x  4.00 

5.50x5.25 

4.00x3.50 

0.63  x  0.38 

2  

4.00 

2.25 

3.00x3.00 

3.00  x  3.00 

4.50  x  4.25 

5.25  x  5.00 

6.00x4.50 

1.00  x  0.50 

This  species  is  commonly  imposed  upon  by  the  Cowbird,  sometimes  to  the  ex- 
tent of  two  or  even  three  eggs.  A  nest  discovered  June  28,  1891,  contained  three 
eggs  of  the  Wood  Thrush  and  three  of  the  Cowbird.  The  former,  with  two  of  the 
latter,  were  perfectly  fresh,  while  the  third  Cowbird's  egg,  besides  being  badly 
cracked  and  addled,  was  buried  nearly  out  of  sight  among  the  materials  composing 
the  bottom  of  the  nest.  These  circumstances  seem  clearly  to  indicate  that  this  Cow- 
bird's  egg  had  been  deposited  several  days  in  advance  of  the  other  eggs,  and  while 
the  nest  was  in  process  of  construction. 

The  Wood  Thrush  is  in  full  song  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  until  the  middle  of 
June ;  subsequently  continuing,  but  with  less  regularity,  up  to  about  the  middle  of 
July. 

178.    Turdus  fuscescens  STEPH. 
Wilson's  Thrush. 

This  species  is  apparently  the  least  numerous  of  all  the  transient  Thrushes.  It 
has  been  observed  only  in  1892,  when  on  May  i,  15,  and  22,  it  was  seen  near  Wooster, 
in  woodland  in  the  valley  of  the  Killbuck.  In  the  collection  of  Mr.  E.  N.  Freeman, 
of  Orrville,  is  a  single  specimen,  which  was  taken  in  spring  near  that  place. 


179.    Turdus  aliciae  BAIRD. 
Gray-cheeked  Thrush. 

A  tolerably  common  spring  and  fall  transient,  yet  owing  to  the  character  of  the 
localities  frequented,  and  to  its  shy,  retiring  habits,  is  somewhat  liable  to  be  over- 
looked. It  has  been  noted  from  May  8  to  May  14,  and  from  September  18  to  October 
2 ;  principally  in  thickets  along  streams  and  the  borders  of  woods,  and  in  the  tim- 
bered ravines  adjoining  the  lowlands. 

The  stomach  of  a  specimen  shot  on  September  18,  1892,  was  filled  with  berries 
of  the  poke-weed  (Phytolacca  decandra},  on  which  the  bird  was  feeding  when  killed. 


338  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

180.  Turdus  ustulatus  swainsonii  (CAB.). 
Olive -backed  Thrush. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  visitor  from  October  3  to  12,  but  not  observed  in* 
the  spring.  It  has  been  noted  principally  in  timbered  ravines,  and  on  the  wooded 
banks  bordering  the  bottom-lands. 

181.  Turdus  aonalaschkae  pallasii  (CAB.). 
Hermit  Thrush. 

The  most  common  species  of  the  four  transient  Thrushes.  It  has  been  observed 
i«  spring  from  April  9  to  May  n,  and  in  fall  from  October  15  to  October  20.  It  fre- 
quents chiefly  the  forests  areas  of  the  bottoms,  and  the  woods  along  the  upland: 
streams,  though  is  occasionally  seen  on  the  outskirts  of  the  towns.  It  is  apparently^ 
not  in  song  during  its  migration  through  this  region. 

GENUS  MERULA  LEACH. 

182.  Merula  migratoria  (LINN.). 
American  Robiu. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  A  few  sometimes  remain  over  winter.  Its  ar- 
rivals in  spring  have  been  from  February  5  to  27,  according  to  the  severity  of  the 
season,  but  it  is  usually  present  before  the  middle  of  this  month.  It  generally  disap- 
pears by  the  first  of  November,  and  occasionally  even  earlier. 

Nest-building  is  begun  commonly  about  the  first  of  April,  and  young  with  short 
tails,  but  able  to  fly,  may  be  seen  by  the  fifteenth  of  the  following  month.  The 
breeding  season  appears  to  be  at  its  height  during  May  and  the  latter  part  of  April, 
and  to  be  practically  ended  by  the  first  of  July,  since  no  occupied  nests  have  been 
found  later  than  June  26. 

This  species  constructs  its  nest  in  all  sorts  of  situations  :  not  infrequently  on  a  fence- 
post  close  to  the  railroad  track,  or  even  on  the  cross-bar  of  a  telegraph  pole.  A  nest 
discovered  April  20,  1890,  was  on  the  top  of  one  of  the  posts  supporting  an  old 
shed ;  another,  found  on  April  13  of  the  same  year,  was  placed  on  the  projecting  end' 
of  one  of  the  horizontal  beams  of  a  carriage  bridge  over  a  small  stream.  A  nest 
was  observed  May  4,  1890,  on  one  of  the  iron  girders  of  a  railroad  bridge  near 
Wooster.  It  was  scarcely  three  feet  below  the  rails,  and  directly  beneath  one  of 
them.  When  found  it  contained  three  eggs,  which  in  due  time  were  hatched,  and  the 
young  probably  (though  this  was  not  positively  determined)  reared  in  safety.  A  nest 
noted  May  18,  1890,  was  situated  on  the  bank  of  a  creek,  in  a  small  bush  which  over- 
hung the  water.  It  was  built  upon  another  Robin's  nest,  evidently  an  old  one,  for  the 
new  material  of  the  superstructure  was  in  marked  contrast  to  the  weatherbeaten  ap- 
pearance of  the  foundation. 

Of  sixty-two  nests  examined,  thirty-seven  were  less  than  ten  feet  from  the  ground  ; 
twelve  were  between  ten  and  fifteen  feet ;  eight  between  fifteen  and  twenty ;  three  be- 
tween twenty  and  twenty-five ;  and  one  each  at  altitudes  of  twenty-five  and  thirty 
feet. 

Robins  in  a  condition  of  partial  albinism  seem  not  to  be  very  uncommon.  One 
in  the  writer's  collection  was  taken  March  9,  1892,  and  another  was  secured  on 
March  27  of  the  same  year;  but  these  have,  however,  only  a  small  proportion  of 
white  feathers. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  339 


The  Robin  has  been  ascertained  to  feed  upon  the  fruits  of  the  following  plants 
and  trees,  the  three  first  mentioned,  at  the  season  of  their  abundance,  entering 
regularly  and  largely  into  its  diet:  elder  (Sambucus  Canadensis),  poke-weed 
(Phytolacca  dacandra},  dogwood  ( Cornus  jlorida),  laurel  oak  (£>ucrcus  imbricaria'), 
bass  wood  (  Tilia  Americana}. 

During  the  course  of  the  writer's  investigations  in  the  County,  two  Robin  roosts 
were  discovered.  One  of  these  was  in  a  thick,  bushy  swamp  along  the  Pittsburg, 
Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  R.  R.  track,  about  two  miles  southwest  of  Wooster ;  but 
was  seldom  observed  to  be  occupied.  The  other  roost  was  situated  in  the  northern 
portion  of  the  city  of  Wooster,  where,  along  parts  of  two  streets,  the  birds  made 
mse  of  the  thick  foliaged  maple  trees.  This  roost,  like  the  first,  was  the  rendezvous 
for  a  comparatively  small  number  of  birds,  which  resorted  thither  more  or  less  ir- 
regularly from  1891  to  1893,  inclusive.  It  was  first  discovered  in  1891,  when  on  April 
12,  between  six  and  seven  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  494  birds  were  counted  as  they  flew 
in  from  the  southern  part  of  the  city.  This  was,  of  course,  the  census  from  only  one 
direction,  circumstances  preventing  more  extended  observations.  Although  no 
birds  were  seen  to  enter  the  roost  again  that  year,  some  may  very  probably  have  been 
present.  During  the  next  year  the  Robins  were  noted  at  the  roost  on  but  a  single 
occasion, — a  few  being  seen  July  17. 

In  1893,  however,  the  roost  was  used  with  apparently  considerable  regularity, 
both  in  the  spring  and  after  the  close  of  the  breeding  season.  Although  similar  gath- 
erings in  both  summer  and  winter  are,  of  course,  well  known  to  take  place,  the  fact 
that  the  Robin  resorts  to  roosts  in  the  spring,  before,  and  even  for  a  while  during 
;the  breeding  season,  is  alluded  to  by  neither  Mr.  Brewster,1  Mr.  Torrey2  nor  Mr. 
Widmann.3  Mr.  Brewster  states  that  none  were  seen  at  the  roosts  earlier  than  June 
•IT,  and  is  inclined  to  consider  this  exceptionally  early.  Small  numbers  of  birds 
•were,  however,  seen  to  enter  this  Wooster  roost  every  few  days  from  March  27  to 
May  15,  after  which  date  none  were  noticed  until  August  8.  From  August  8  to 
August  31,  the  flight  was  almost  nightly  observed,  the  number  recorded  gradually 
increasing,  reaching  its  maximum  towards  the  latter  part  of  the  month. 

Throughout  this  period  the  largest  number  seen  on  any  one  evening  was  265, 
>but  since  the  count  was  made  from  a  single  point,  this  number  probably  represents 
•only  a  fraction  of  the  total  number  of  birds  which  daily  resorted  to  the  roost.  None 
were  noted  on  any  occasion  earlier  than  6.36  P.M.,  and  by  7.15  all  had  passed;  the 
'bulk  being  seen  usually  between  6.50  and  7.05  p.  M.  The  time  utilized  by  the  birds 
was  thus  between  sunset  and  dusk.  In  passing  over  the  city  most  of  the  earlier 
-corners  flew  quite  high,  only  descending  as  the  roost  was  neared ;  but  a  little  later  the 
flight  was  lowered  so  as  barely  to  clear  the  house-tops ;  while  the  last  flew  close  to 
4he  ground,  passing  chiefly  through  openings  between  the  buildings. 

The  Robin  commences  to  sing  within  a  few  days  after  its  arrival,  and  continues 
in  full  song  until  late  in  June.  Through  July  it  sings  regularly,  though  less  fre- 
quently, and  subsequently  is  heard  more  or  less  intermittently  until  towards  the  last 
of  August.  Then  it  is  usually  silent  till  late  in  September,  when  for  a  brief  period 
its  song  is  again  resumed.  The  latest  record  of  song  is  October  19  (1892).  The  fol- 
dowing  data  indicate  the  time  at  which  on  several  days  the  first  note  of  the  Robin 
•was  heard  :— 

May  8  (1891)  at  4.03  A.  M.  ; 
May  22  (1890)  at  3.55  A.  M.  ; 
May  27  (1890)  at  3.25  A.  M.  ; 
July  28  (1892)  at  4.00  A.  M. 


A  ALUW  V!A,  ^y«,  pp.  360  etseq. 

2  The  Footpath  Way,  1893,  pp.  153  et  seq. 

*  Auk  XII,  1893,  pp.  i  et  seq. 


340  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

GENUS  SIALIA  SWAINSON. 

183.    Sialia  sialis  (LINN.). 
Bluebird. 

Abundant ;  usually  a  permanent  resident,  though  less  numerous  in  winter,  but  if 
this  season  be  especially  severe,  is  probably  altogether  absent.  Those  individuals  of 
the  species  which  migrate  south  for  the  winter  apparently  return  in  February. 

The  breeding  season  extends  from  the  middle  of  April  to  about  the  first 
of  August,  two  or  three  broods  being  reared.  A  nest  found  May  25,  1890,  in  a 
small  decaying  stump,  contained  well  fledged  young  and  one  addled  egg.  The  en- 
trance to  this  nest  was  only  one  foot  above  the  ground. 

The  Bluebird  sings  regularly  from  about  the  middle  of  February  until  late  in 
June,  but  much  less  frequently  thereafter.  It  may  at  intervals,  however,  be  heard 
till  October,  the  latest  recorded  date  of  song  being  October  21  (1892). 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  341 


HYPOTHETICAL  LIST. 


The  following  list  is  intended  to  comprise  such  birds  as  seem  of  prob- 
able occurrence  in  the  region  at  present  under  consideration.  Future  in- 
vestigations will  doubtless  establish  Wayne  County  records  for  many  of 
the  species  thus  catalogued. 


ORDER  PYGOPODES. 
FAMILY  PODICIPIOC. 

1.  Colymbus  holbcellii  (REINH.). 

Holboell's  Grebe. 

Given  by  Wheaton,  in  his  Report  on  the  Birds  of  Ohio,1  as  a  rare  transient., 
It  has  been  taken  both  on  Lake  Erie  and  on  the  waters  of  the  interior  of  the 
State. 

FAMILY  URINATORID/E. 

2.  Urinator  lumme  (GUNN.). 

Red-throated  Loon. 

A  rare  transient  in  Ohio. 

ORDER  LONGIPENNES. 
FAMILY  LARID^C. 

3.  Lams  delawarensis  ORD. 

Ring-billed  Gull. 

In  Ohio,  especially  on  Lake  Erie,  a  tolerably  common  species  during  the  mi- 
grations. 


1  Geological  Survey  of  Ohio  IV,  1882,  p.  566. 


342  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

4.  Sterna  forsteri  NUTT. 

Forster's  Tern. 

A  transient  visitor ;    of  more  or  less  frequent,  though  irregular,  occurrence  in 
the  interior  of  the  State. 

5.  Sterna  hirundo  LINN. 

Common  Tern. 

Common    as    a    transient;     apparently    not    a  regular  summer,  resident  in  the 
State,  except  on  the  Lake  shore. 

6.  Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis  (GMEL.). 

Black  Tern. 

Wheaton  records  this  species  as  a  common  summer  resident  in  northern  Ohio, 
and  as  a  common  transient  elsewhere  in  the  State. 


ORDER     STEGANOPODES. 
FAMILY  PHALACROCORACID/C. 

7.  Phalacrocorax  dilophus  (SWAINS.). 

Double-crested  Cormorant. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  in  Ohio. 

ORDER  ANSERES. 

FAMILY  ANATID/E. 

8.  Anas  strepera  LINN. 

Gadwall. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  visitor ;  probably  also  a  summer  resident  in  at  least 
portions  of  the  State. 

9.  Aythya  marila  nearctica  STEJN. 

American  Scaup  Duck. 

Transient  visitor  in  Ohio ;  apparently  not  abundant. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  343 

10.    Aythya  collaris  (DONOV.). 
Ring-necked  Duck. 

According  to  Wheaton,  this  species  occurs  abundantly  as    a    transient    in    the 
State. 


11.  Oidemia  americana  Sw.  &  RICH. 

American  Scoter. 

Occurs  as  an  occasional  winter  visitor  in  the  State. 

12.  Oidemia  deglandi  BONAP. 

White-winged  Scoter. 

This  species  has  been  taken  both  on  Lake  Erie  and  in  the  interior  of  the 
State. 

13.  Chen  hyperborea  (PALL.). 

Lesser  Snow  Goose. 

Probably  occurs,  at  least  sparingly,  with  the  next  species. 

14.  Chen  hyperborea  nivalis  (FORST.)- 

Greater  Snow  Goose. 

Mentioned  by  Wheaton  as  a  rather  irregular  transient  in  Ohio,  apparently  more 
common  on  the  Lake  shore  than  elsewhere  in  the  State. 

15.  Anser  albifrons  gambeli  (HARTL.). 

American  White-fronted  Goose. 

A  transient  visitor ;  occurring  more  or  less  frequently  throughout  the  State. 

16.  Branta  canadensis  hutchinsii  (RICH.). 

Hutching'  Goose. 

Wheaton  gives  it  as  a  rare  transient ;  but  a  critical  examination  of  the  wild  Gees* 
killed  in  Ohio  may  possibly  determine  this  subspecies  to  be  of  more  frequent  appear- 
ance than  it  has  heretofore  been  considered. 

17.  Olor  buccinator  (RICH.). 

Trumpeter  Swan. 

Has  been  several  times  taken  in  Ohio ;  and  some  of  the  Swans  which  have  from 
time  to  time  been  seen  in  Wayne  County  may  have  been  of  this  species. 


344  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

ORDER     HERODIONES. 

FAMILY  ARDEID^C. 

18.  Ardea  candidissima  GMEL. 

Snowy  Heron. 

Although  not  of  common  occurrence,  specimens  have  been  taken  in  northern 
Ohio. 

19.  Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius  (BODD.). 

Black- crowned  Night  Heron. 

Wheaton  mentions  this  species  as  probably  breeding  in  suitable  places  through- 
out the  State. 

ORDER  PALUDICOL^E. 

FAMILY  GRUID/E. 

20.  Grus  americana  (LINN.). 

Whooping  Crane. 

A  rare  and  probably  an  irregular  transient  in  the  State. 

21.  Grus  canadensis  (LINN.). 

Little  Brown  Crane. 

A  rare  transient  visitor  in  Ohio. 

FAMILY  RALLID/E. 

22.  Porzana  noveboracensis  (GMEL.). 

Yellow  Rail. 

A  transient  visitor;   possibly  a  summer  resident,  though   apparently  not  very 
common  in  the  State. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  345- 

ORDER  LIMICOL^. 
FAMILY  PHALAROPODID/E. 

23.  Phalaropus  lobatus  (LINN.). 

Northern  Phalarope. 

A  transient  visitor  in  Ohio ;  but  seems  to  be  not  very  common. 

24.  Steganopus  tricolor  ViEiix.1 

Wilson's  1  halarope. 

Like  the  last,  a  somewhat  uncommon  and  irregular  transient  on  the  streams  and 
lakes  of  the  State.  Wheaton  mentions  its  possible  summer  residence  in  northwestern 
Ohio. 

FAMILY  RECURVIROSTRID^E. 

25.  Himantopus  mexicanus    (MULL.). 

Black-necked  Stilt. 

This  is  a  rare  species  in  Ohio,  but  specimens  have  been  several  times  taken  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  State. 

FAMILY  SCOLOPACID>£. 

26.  Macrorhamphus  griseus  (GMEL.). 

Dowitcher. 

A  rare  transient  in  the  State. 

27.  Tringa  canutus  LINN. 

Knot. 

Transient  visitor^  perhaps  not  uncommon  on  the  larger  bodies  of  water. 

28.  Tringa  fuscicollis  VIEILL. 

White-rumped  Sandpiper. 

Transient  visitor ;  apparently  more  frequently  found  on  the  Lake  shore  tham  else- 
where in  the  State. 


1  Phalaropus  tricolor  of  the  A.  O.  U.  Check-List ;    but  the  claims  of  Steganopus  to  full  generic  rank 
seem  to  be  perfectly  valid.     ,Cf  ELLIOT,  North  American  Shore  Birds,  1895,  p.  222.) 


346  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

29.  Tringa  bairdii  (COUES). 

Baird's  Sandpiper. 

A  spring  and  fall  transient;  probably  not  rare  in  suitable  localities  in  at  least 
portions  of  the  State. 

30.  Tringa  minutilla  VIEILL. 

Least  Sandpiper. 

A  common  transient,  probably  throughout  the  State.     It  is  possibly  a  rare  summer 
resident  on  Lake  Erie. 

31.  Tringa  alpina  pacifica  (COUES). 

Red-backed  Sandpiper. 

A  common  transient ;  perhaps  more  numerous  on  Lake  Erie  than  in  the  interior 
of  the  State. 

32.  Ereunetes  pusillus  (LINN.). 

Semipalmated  Sandpiper. 

An  abundant  transient  visitor  in  Ohio. 

33.  Calidris  arenaria  (LINN.). 

Sanderling. 

A  common  transient  visitor  in  the  State,  though  apparently  most  numerous  on 
the  shore  of  Lake  Erie. 

34.  Limosa  fedoa  (LINN.). 

Marbled  Godwit. 

A  transient  visitor ;  probably  not  uncommon  in  some  portions  of  the  State. 

35.  Limosa  haemastica  (LINN.). 

Hudsonian  Godwit. 

Of  less  frequent  occurrence  in  Ohio  than  the  preceding  species,  but  has  been 
taken  on  Lake  Erie  and  also  in  the  interior. 

36.  Symphemia  semipalmata  (GMEL.). 

Willet. 

A  transient  visitor ;  possibly  a  summer  resident  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie.    It- 
appears  to  be  not  very  common  throughout  the  greater  portion  of  Ohio. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  347 

37.  Numenius  longirostris  WILS. 

Long-billed  Curlew. 

A  transient  visitor ;  in  northwestern  Ohio  possibly  an  occasional  summer  resident. 

38.  Numenius  hudsonicus  LATH. 

Hud  simian  Curlew. 

A  transient  visitor ;  rare  in  the  State. 

39.  Numenius  borealis  (FORST.). 

Eskimo  Curlew. 

A  transient  visitor ;  seemingly  of  rare  occurrence  in  Ohio. 


FAMILY  CHARADRIID^E. 

40.  Charadrius  squatarola    (LINN.). 

Black-bellied  Plover. 

Apparently  not  a  common  species,  but  occurring  sometimes  in  the  interior  ofj;he 
State. 

41.  Charadrius  dominicus   MULL. 

American  Golden  Plover, 

An  abundant  transient  in  Ohio,  being  found  during  migration  in  large  numbers 
in  suitable  localities. 

42.  ^gialitis  semipalmata  BONAP. 

Semi  pal  mated  Plover. 

Common  transient  visitor ;  according  to  Wheaton,  most  numerous  in  the  fall. 

43.  ^Sgialitis  meloda  circumcincta  RIDGW. 

Belted  Piping  Plover. 

A  summer  resident  probably  only  on  Lake  Erie ;  a  tolerably  common  transient 
elsewhere  in  the  State.  This,  the  Mississippi  Valley  form,  seems  more  likely  to  occur 
here  than  sEgialitis  meloda  from  the  Atlantic  Coast ;  but  no  Ohio  specimens  have 
been  examined. 


348  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

FAMILY  APHRIZID/E. 

44.  Arenaria  interpres  (LINN.). 

Turnstone. 

A  transient  visitor ;  apparently  not  common  in  the  State. 

ORDER  RAPTORES. 

FAMILY  FALCONID/E. 

45.  Accipiter  atricapillus  (WILS.). 

American  Goshawk. 

Of  occasional  occurrence  as  a  winter  visitor  in  Ohio. 

FAMILY  BUBONID/E. 

46.  Surnia  ulula  caparoch  (MULL.). 

American  Hawk  Owl. 

A  rare  winter  visitor  in  the  State. 

ORDER     PASSERES. 

FAMILY  TYRANNID^E. 

47.  Contopus  borealis  (SWAINS.). 

Olive-sided  Flycatcher. 

A  rare  transient  visitor  in  Ohio. 

FAMILY  CORVID/C. 

48.  Corvus  corax  principalis  RIDGW. 

Northern  Raven. 

A  rare  winter  visitor  in  Ohio,  chiefly  in  the  northern  portion.  Although  no 
Ohio  specimens  of  the  Raven  have  been  accessible,  it  seems  probable  that  the  form 
occurring  in  the  State  is  as  above  given. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  349 

FAMILY  FRINGILLID/E. 

49.  Coccothraustes  vespertinus  (Coop.). 

Evening  Grosbeak. 

Although  there  appear  to  be  but  five  published  records  of  the  occurrence  of  this 
species  in  Ohio,  it  is,  during  a  winter  favorable  to  its  wanderings,  liable  to  be  found 
in  almost  any  part  of  the  northern  half  of  the  State. 

50.  Pinicola  enucleator  canadensis  (CAB.)- 

American  Pine  Grosbeak. 

An  irregular  winter  visitor,  chiefly  to  northern  Ohio.  The  American  form,  as 
here  distinguished,  though  not  admitted  to  the  A.  O.  U.  Check-List,  is  recognized  by 
Mr.  Ridgway,  and  is  apparently  tenable  as  a  subspecies. 

51.  Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (BREHM). 

American  Crossbill. 

An  irregular  winter  visitor,  though  sometimes  numerous  even  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  State. 

52.  Loxia  leucoptera  GMEL. 

White-winged  Crossbill. 

Winter  visitor ;  in  Ohio,  of  much  less  frequent  occurrence  than  the  preceding 
species. 

53.  Spinus  pinus   (WILS.). 

Rne  Siskin. 

Wheaton  mentions  this  species  as  an  abundant  winter  visitor,  and  as  possibly 
breeding  in  northern  Ohio. 

54.  Calcarius  lapponicus  (LINN.). 

Lapland  Longspur. 

A  common  and  moderately  regular  winter  visitor  in  at  least  the  northern  half  of 
the  State. 

55.  Ammodramus  henslowii  (AUD.). 

Henslow's  Sparrow. 

Recorded  by  Mr.  Lynds  Jones1  as  a  summer  resident  at  Oberlin,  Ohio,  where  it 
"was  found  to  be  not  uncommon  during  the  summer  of  1894".  Aside  from  the  state- 
ment of  Audubon2,  this  seems  to  be  the  only  reliable  record  of  the  occurrence  of  the 
species  in  the  State.  Its  appearance  in  other  suitable  localities  may,  however,  with 
reasonable  confidence  be  anticipated. 

1  Auk  XII,  1895,  p.  241  ;    Bulletin  of  Wilson  Ornithological  Chapter,  No.  f~,  January  30,  1896,  p.  2. 

2  Birds  of  America  III,  1841,  p.  76. 


350  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

56.  Chondestes  grammacus  (SAY). 

Lark  Sparrow. 

Rare  summer  resident  in  northern  Ohio ;  apparently  more  common  towards  the 
middle  of  the  State. 

57.  Melospiza  lincolnii  (AUD.). 

Lincoln's  Sparrow. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  visitor  in  Ohio. 

FAMILY  TANAQRID/E. 

58.  Piranga  rubra  (LINN.). 

Summer  Tanager. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State,|but  apparently- 
rare  in  northern  Ohio. 

FAMILY  HIRUNDINID/E. 

59.  Clivicola  riparia  (LINN.). 

Bank  Swallow. 

Summer  resident  in  some  parts  of  Ohio,  but  appears  to^be  only  transient  in  others. 

FAMILY  AflPELIDye 

60.  Ampelis  garrulus  LINN. 

Bohemian  Waxwing. 

A  winter  visitor  to  northern  Ohio. 

FAMILY  VIREONID/E. 

61.  Vireo  philadelphicus  (CASS.). 

Philadelphia  Vireo. 

A  transient  visitor ;  probably  not  rare  in  the  State. 

62.  Vireo  solitarius  (WILS.). 

Blue-headed  Vireo. 

A  transient  visitor ;  apparently  not  breeding  in  Ohio. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  351 

63.    Vireo  noveboracensis  (GMEL.). 
White-eyed  Yireo. 

A  summer  resident  in  Ohio ;  probably  more  common  in  the  southern  portion  of 
the  State. 


FAMILY  flNIOTILTID/E. 

64.  Helmitherus  vermivorus  (GMEL.). 

Worm-eating  Warbler. 

A  summer  resident  in  the  more  southern  parts  of  the  State.  It  probably  occurs 
also  in  northern  Ohio. 

65.  Helminthophila  chrysoptera  (LINN.). 

Golden-winged  Warbler. 

A  summer  resident;  apparently  not  common  in  Ohio. 

66.  Helminthophila  rubricapilla  (WiLs.).1 

Nashville  Warbler. 

A  common  transient  visitor  in  at  least  portions  of  the  State. 

67.  Helminthophila  celata  (SAY). 

Orange-crowned  Warbler. 

An  occasional  transient  visitor  in  the  State. 

68.  Compsothlypis  americana  usnese  BREWSTER. 

Northern  Parula  Warbler. 

A  transient  visitor  throughout  much  of  the  State,  though  probably  breeding  in 
suitable  localities.  This  species  has  been  on  one  or  two  occasions  partially  identified 
in  Wayne  County,  but  no  specimens  have  been  secured. 

69.  Dendroica  dominica  albilora  RIDGW. 

Sycamore  Warbler. 

A  summer  resident,  at  least  formerly,  even  in  northern  Ohio,  though  probably 
local  in  its  distribution. 


i  CJ.  FAXON,  Auk  XIII,  1896,  p.  263. 
8*  B.  W.  C. 


352  OHIO  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

70.  Dendroica  kirtlandi  BAIRD. 

Kirtland's  Warbler. 

The  possibility  that  Kirtland's  Warbler  may  yet  be  taken  in  Wavne  County  is 
suggested  by  the  proximity  of  the  type  locality  of  the  species,  together  with  the  prob- 
ability that  the  valleys  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Muskingum  River  form  the  highway 
of  migration  for  many  of  the  birds  which  breed  about  Cleveland,  or  which  occur 
there  during  the  spring  season. 

71.  Dendroica  vigorsii  (Auo.). 

Pine  Warbler. 

A  rare  transient  visitor  in  Ohio. 

72.  Dendroica  palmarum  (GMEL.). 

Palm  Warbler. 

A  common  transient  visitor,  though  perhaps  somewhat  local  in  the  State. 

73.  Dendroica  discolor  (VIEILL.), 

Prairie  Warbler. 

Given  as  a  summer  resident  in  northern  Ohio,  by  Wheaton,  who  says  that  it  is 
rare.  A  Warbler  seen  by  the  writer  in  May,  1891,  was  probably  of  this  species,  but 
the  bird  was  unfortunately  not  secured. 

74.  Seiurus  noveboracensis  (GMEL.). 

Water  Thrush. 

A  tolerably  common  transient  visitor  in  the  State. 

75.  Geothlypis  formosa    (WILS.). 

Kentucky  Wrarbler. 

A  summer  resident  in  Ohio,  but  rare  and  local.  On  April  23.  1893,  an  individual, 
undoubtedly  of  this  species,  was  seen  singing  in  the  woods  on  the  bottom-lands  of  the 
Killbuck,  in  Wayne  County.  As,  however,  the  bird  was  not  obtained,  the  circum- 
stance is  mentioned  merely  as  a  hypothetical  record. 

76.  Sylvania  mitrata  (GMEL.). 

Hooded  Warbler. 

A  rare  summer  resident  in  Ohio. 

77.  Sylvania  canadensis  (LINN.). 

Canadian  Warbler. 

A  transient  visitor;  not  uncommon  in  the  State. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  WAYNE  COUNTY.  353 

FAMILY  MOTACILLID/E. 


78.    Anthus  pensilvanicus  (LATH.). 
American  Pipit. 

A  common  transient  visitor  in  Ohio. 


FAMILY  TROGLODYTID/E. 

79.  Mimus  polyglottos  (LINN.). 

Mockingbird. 

A  summer  resident ;  rare  even  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State,  but  has  been 
reported  breeding  near  Lake  Erie. 

80.  Thryothorus  bewickii  (Aim). 

Bewick's  Wren. 

A  summer  resident  in  southern  Ohio. 

81.  Cistothorus  stellaris  (LIGHT.). 

Short-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

A  summer  resident  in  the  State,  but  apparently  of  local  distribution.  A  careful 
investigation  of  the  numerous  swamps  of  Wayne  County  would  possibly  reveal  the 
presence  of  this  species. 


FAMILY  PARID/E. 

82.    Parus  carolinensis  AUD. 
Carolina  Chickadee. 

A  regular  summer  resident  in   Ohio,  at  least  from  the  latitude  of   Columbus 
southward. 


NOTE. 


By  reason  of  an  unfortunate  misunderstanding,  the  proof-sheets  of 
pages  243-270  were  not  submitted  to  the  author  for  revision.  This  over- 
sight has  resulted  in  the  admission  of  a  number  of  unpleasant  inaccu- 
racies of  punctuation,  particularly  in  the  generic  and  subgeneric  names;; 
and  furthermore  has  rendered  necessary  the  insertion  of  the  following, 
list  of 

ERRATA. 

Page  245,  2nd  line  from  bottom,  for  occassional  read  occasional. 

Page  247,  3d  line  from  top,  for  sEgialites  read  sEgialitts. 

Page  247,  1 3th  line  from  top,  Syrinum  read  Syrnium. 

Page  248,  1 3th  line  from  bottom,  for  valutina  read  velutlna. 

Page  249,  1 4th  line  from  top,  for  saccharum  read  Saccharum. 

Page  249,  2ist  line  from  top,  for  prevailent  read  prevalent. 

Page  250,  8th  line  from  bottom,  for  Chilidon  read  Chelidon. 

Page  250,  9th  line  from  bottom,  for  Progue  read  Progne. 

Page  250,  i6th  line  from  bottom,  for  Spicella  read  Spizella. 

Page  251,  ist  line  from  top  for  Deudroica  read  Dendroica. 

Page  251,  4th  line  from  top,  for  pennsylvanica  read  pensylvanica. 

Page  251,  27th  line  from  top,  for  asia  read  asio. 

Page  252,  2ist  line  from  top,  for  pennsylvanica  read  pensylvanica. 

Page  252,  5th  line  from  bottom,  for  Erismatur  read  Erismatura. 

Page  252,  gth  line  from  bottom,  for  valisneria  read  vallisneria. 

Page  255,  6th  line  from  top,  for  (LiNN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  255,  i8th  line  from  top,  for  CEPHI  read  CEPPHI. 

Page  255,  ist  line  from  bottom,  for  park  read  part. 

Page  256,  5th  line  from  top,  for  (COUES)  read  COUES. 

Page  256,  7th  line  from  top,  for  Appearing  read  Appears. 

Page  256,  8th  line  from  bottom,  for  (GMEL.)  read  GMEL. 

Page  256,  footnote,  for  survey  read  Survey. 

Page  256,  footnote,  for  p.  42  read  p.  542. 

Page  257,  2nd  line  from  bottom,  for  hough  read  though. 

Page  258,  4th  line  from  top,  for  (LINN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  258,  5th  line  from  bottom,  for  (GMEL.)  read  GMEL. 

Page  258,  loth  line  from  bottom,  for  Badpate  read  Baldpate. 

Page  258,  nth  line  from  bottom,  for  (GMEL.)  read  GMEL. 

Page  258,  i6.h  line  from  bottom,  for  (GMEL.)  read  GMEL. 

Page  259,  2nd  line  from  top,  for  (LINN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  261,  footnote,  for  survey  read  Survey. 

Page  263,  2nd  line  from  top,  for  LINN,  read  LINNJEUS. 

Page  263,  7th  line  from  bottom,  for  (LiNN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  264,  5th  line  from  top,  for  (GMEL.)  read  GMEL. 

Page  264,  i4th  line  from  top,  for  (LINN)  read  LINN. 

Page  264,  22nd  line  from  top,  for  approa  h  read  approach. 

Page  264,  footnote  4,  for  i  dicated  read  indicate. 

Page  265,  6th  line  from  top,  for  (AuD.)  read  AUD. 

Page  265,  8th  line  from  bottom,  for  (LINN)  read  LINN. 

Page  267,  3rd  line  from  top,  for  (GMEL.)  read  GMEL. 

Page  267,  2 ist  line  from  top,  for  were  read  was. 

Page  268,  3rd  line  from  top,  for  (VIEILL)  read  VIEILL. 

Page  268,  1 2th  line  from  bottom,  for  occuring  read  occurring. 

Page  269,  i4th  line  from  top,  for  fieldst  read  fields. 

Page  269  4th  line  from  bottom,  for  shriveled  read  shrivelled. 

Page  270,  4th  line  from  bottom,  for  prefering  read  preferring. 

Page  271,  loth  line  from  top,  for  (LiNN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  279,  9th  line  from  top,  for  (LiNN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  279,  i8th  line  from  top,  for  (LINN.)  read  LINN. 

Page  280,  4th  line  from  top,  for  (BONAP.)  read  BONAP. 


,      ^\Jc^i^^i^j^r 


,   3  /, 

BULLETIN 


OF  THE 


OhioAgHculturalExperiment5tation. 


TECHNICAL  SERIES.— VOLUME  I,    NUMBER  4. 

> 

Wooster,  Ohio,    July,  1896. 


A   PRELIMINARY    LIST 


OF    THE 


OF 


\Vayne  County,  Ohiio. 


COLUMBUS,   O.: 

THE    WESTBOTE   CO.,    STATE    PRINTERS. 
1896. 


FOURTEEN  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 


B'  f  \7 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


LD  21-100m-2,'55 
(B139s22)476 


General  Library 

University  of  California 

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